Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia
📘 Park Overview
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Weathered log cabins greet visitors to Hensley Settlement
Credit: NPS Photo
View from the Pinnacle Overlook
Credit: NPS Photo
History comes alive
Credit: Harold Jerrell
Sand Cave is a massive sandstone rockshelter found in the backcountry
Credit: NPS Photo
Cleopatra's Pool is located deep in the Gap Cave
Credit: NPS Photo
Weathered log cabins greet visitors to Hensley Settlement
Credit: NPS Photo
View from the Pinnacle Overlook
Credit: NPS Photo
History comes alive
Credit: Harold Jerrell
Sand Cave is a massive sandstone rockshelter found in the backcountry
Credit: NPS Photo
Cleopatra's Pool is located deep in the Gap Cave
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, May 9
Patchy rain nearby
High: 74.5°F | Low: 50.4°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 8.9 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 06:32 AM
Sunset: 08:29 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (59%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.3°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 10
Patchy rain nearby
High: 78.1°F | Low: 51.8°F
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 5.8 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 6.5
Sunrise: 06:31 AM
Sunset: 08:30 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (49%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 58.2°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, May 11
Moderate rain
High: 64.9°F | Low: 44°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 10.5 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 5.7
Sunrise: 06:30 AM
Sunset: 08:31 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (39%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 51.6°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Gap Cave Tour
Location: Meet at the Daniel Boone VIC
Date: May 6, 2026 12:00am to Aug 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Gap Cave Tour
Location: Meet at the Daniel Boone VIC
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Gap Cave Tour
Location: Meet at the Daniel Boone VIC
Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hensley Settlement Tours
Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn. Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
Location: Meet at the Visitor Center, from there we will take a shuttle van to Hensley Settlement.
Date: May 15, 2026 12:00am to Nov 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Textiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Location: This program will be upstairs in the visitor center.
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to Oct 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Coopering Crafting Barrels
Experience the centuries-old tradition of coopering, where skilled craftspeople shape and assemble wooden barrels and casks using time-honored tools and techniques, bringing this essential historic trade to life through live demonstration.
Location: Outside of the Visitor Center
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to Oct 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Textiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Location: This program will be upstairs in the visitor center.
Date: May 17, 2026 12:00am to Oct 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cumberland Gap Tour
Step into history on a guided tour of Cumberland Gap, where a guide brings to life the journeys of Native peoples, explorers, and pioneers who crossed this natural passage through the Appalachian Mountains. Along scenic trails and overlooks, you’ll experience sweeping views and stories that reveal why the Gap became known as the “First Gateway to the West.”
This 1.2-mile round-trip hike is considered moderate.
Location: Meet at the Thomas Walker Parking Lot.
Date: May 17, 2026 12:00am to May 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Textiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Location: This program will be upstairs in the visitor center.
Date: May 18, 2026 12:00am to Oct 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Metalwork Monday
Stop by this drop-in blacksmith demonstration at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and experience early metalworking in action. Watch glowing iron take shape at the forge and learn how blacksmiths created the tools that supported daily life on the frontier. Come and go anytime during the program.
Location: Held at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Date: May 18, 2026 12:00am to Oct 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
100 Pinnacle View Rd.
Middlesboro, KY 40965
🏤 Mailing Address:
91 Bartlett Park Rd.
Middlesboro, KY 40965
📞 Voice Phone: 6062482817
📞 Fax Phone: 6062487276
✉️ Email: cuga_interpretation@nps.gov