Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Explore the narrow mountain pass where early American settlers and Native Americans once roamed.

Cumberland Gap has a historical geological feature that has aided many travelers due to its narrow mountain pass. The park has 24,000 acres of land with 85 miles of hiking trails, 62 miles of streams, and 24 known caves. Plenty of wildlife creatures live here, including 145 bird species, 40 kinds of mammals, and 27 fish species. The area has hot and humid summers and mild winters. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and was established in 1940. Today, it is managed by the National Park Service.

The Visitors Center is a great place to start and features a hands-on museum. It is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, except on Christmas day. Guests can come here to get maps, learn the area's history, and gain tips from the local experts and rangers. A 4-mile road takes you to Pinnacle Overlook (elevation 2,440 feet), one of the best places to view the gap. There are historic structures, ruins, trails, cave tours, and waterfalls in this national historical park. You won't want to miss this park if you're traveling near Southeastern Kentucky.