Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 9:00–16:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-21 to 2026-12-15; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Restrooms, Visitor center, Showers.

Official facts

Public access: Restricted access.

Protected area: 7,527 acres (3,046 ha).

Designation: National Historical Park. Listed as "Cumberland Gap National Historical Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: no known protection mandate (GAP 4).

Established: 1940.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park scenic feature

Events

• Historic Gap Tour 02:00 PM–04:00 PM · This starts from the Thomas Walker Parking Area.
• Cumberland Gap Through the Ages
• The Cumberland Gap and the American Revolution
• Hensley Settlement Tour 01:00 PM–04:00 PM · Meet at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Wives' Tales and Witchery of Appalachia
• Foraging & Folk Medicine in the Cumberland Gap 06:00 PM–07:00 PM · Wilderness Road Campground Amphitheater 854 National Park Rd., Ewing, VA 24248 Parking: Limited parking at the end of C-Loop. Additional parking is available by the ranger station at the front of the campground and at the picnic area in the back of the campground. Carpooling is recommended.

Before you go

Limits

A backcountry permit is required and can be obtained at the park visitor center for free!

Limits

Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6ft

Limits

Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6ft

Park alert: Trail Maintenance Underway Near Sand Cave

Crews are using Ridge Trail from Hensley to Sand Cave Trail to complete trail work. Trails remain open; some sections may be muddy or messy.

Getting there

By Plane The closest major airport is located in Knoxville, Tennessee approximately 85 miles away. Flights can also be made into Lexington, Kentucky approximately 130 miles away. By Car The park entrance is located on Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro Kentucky.

Weather & when to go

Summers at Cumberland Gap are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s. Winters are generally mild with rain and some periods of snow January through March. Temperatures usually range in the 30s and 40s. Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations.

Visitor center

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center — The park is open 24 hours a day to pedestrian and cyclist, weather permitting. Some services and facilities have separate hours, however; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere. — The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Visitor center

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station

Visitor center

Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station — The Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station operates on a flexible schedule. Check ahead to know when assistance and resources are available at this location. — From the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center, drive south on US 25E for about 3 miles, pass through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel, then turn right onto US 58 East. The Daniel Boone Visitor Information Station will be on your right shortly after the turn.

Facilities on the park map

2 picnic area, 6 restroom, 5 visitor information.

Where to stay

• Wilderness Road Campground This 150-site campground is located approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups are available at 43 of the sites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. Camping rigs up to 50 feet can be accommodated at some sites. Sites are accessed through paved loop roads. Most of the sites require backing i · 150 campsites