Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Overview

Wilderness Road Campground is nestled in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park , where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. You can access miles of forest and mountain trails directly from the campground.   

While in the park, drive up to the Pinnacle for a breathtaking view of the mountains or check out Civil War earthworks. Hike to the pale cliffs of White Rocks, the gaping mouth of Sand Cave, or the historic Hensley Settlement to see how mountain folk once lived. Stand in 3 states at the same time or immerse yourself in thousands of acres of proposed wilderness. Walk a path once traveled by the bison, Native American, longhunter, and pioneer. Stand in the narrow mountain gap where Daniel Boone stood and where thousands of people risked everything to reach and settle what would become America.   

Wilderness Road Campground includes 151 wooded sites open to tents, trailers, and RV campers. Electrical hookups (20-, 30-, or 50-amp) are available at 43 sites. Group sites are also available. The campground is open year-round with limited campsites, as well as the comfort station between loops C and D, open during the winter season (mid-November to mid-March). 

Recreation

• Over 85 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for Hiking and Backpacking adventures in the great outdoors. You can take an easy 1/4-mile stroll or go on a challenging 10-mile hike in the backcountry, the choice is yours. Several trails meander through over 14,000 acres of proposed wilderness. 
• Backcountry Camping is allowed at 5 designated sites in the park with a permit. Experience the quiet beauty of the mountains and wilderness as you camp under the stars. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center. 
• Picnicking at one of several picnic areas in the park is a popular activity. Whether you are looking for a quiet lunch while enjoying nature or having a big family get-together in the great outdoors, we have limitless options. You can also reserve a picnic shelter for exclusive day use for a fee. Stop by the park visitor center to reserve a picnic shelter up to 3 months in advance. 
• Horseback Riding is permitted on the 17-mile Ridge Trail, which extends from the Pinnacle to White Rocks. 
• Guided Tours, Hikes, and Programs range from Pioneer and Civil War Living History demonstrations to guided tours of Gap Cave (formerly known as Cudjo's Cave), and from guided tours of the historic Hensley Settlement to Campfire Programs. Programs offered vary seasonally. Fees are charged for Gap Cave and Hensley Settlement tours. Stop by the park visitor center for program tickets and information. 

Facilities

• Wilderness Road Campground is located about 3 miles from the park visitor center, off Highway 58 in Virginia. 150 woodland sites welcome tents, trailers, and RV campers. 43 sites with 20-,30-, and 50-amp electric hook-ups are available in loops B and C. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. A dump station, for campground reservation holders only, is located near the entrance station. Sites are accessed through paved loop roads. Most sites require backing in with the exception of one pull-through site. 
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, KY. Restroom facilities are located on the outside of the building. The visitor center is fully accessible with designated parking and an elevator. The park visitor center is open daily from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Eastern time. It is closed on Thanksgivig Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 
• America's National Parks Store offers books, souvenirs, games, postcards, and other items related to the park and its many stories. Your purchase from our national park stores helps to provide inspiring educational experiences to millions of park visitors each year. 
• Daniel Boone Parking and Exhibit Area is located just off Highway 58 near the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Wilderness Road Trailhead is located here. An outdoor pavilion features the sights and sounds of early travelers and pioneers. Restroom facilities are available here.

Natural Features

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park protects 24,000 acres of Appalachian Mountain habitat stretching across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Walk the trails that Daniel Boone and thirty axemen blazed to open the first great gateway to the West. Plan your visit today and experience the natural, historical, and cultural beauty of the park.

• Cumberland Gap, carved out over aeons by wind and water, forms a V-shaped notch or gap in the formidable wall of the Appalachian Mountains. This natural low point made crossing over the mountains easier and less dangerous for bison and other animals, then later for Native Americans, and still later for European explorers and early pioneers. Stand right in the Gap where over 300,000 settlers crossed the mountains on their journey to the west. 
• The cliffs of White Rocks rise 500 feet above the surrounding wooded slopes at the east end of the park. Anyone up for a challenging hike to the top of the mountain will be rewarded with a breath-taking, 360-degree view of the surrounding area. 
• A natural scenic area in Kentucky, Sand Cave is a half-domed chamber that is 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand. Relax and enjoy nature in this magical, enormous natural feature.
• Skylight Cave lies at the end of a steep, 1.9-mile hike in Ewing, Virginia. Start out on Lewis Hollow Trail, from the picnic area near Wilderness Road Campground. Hike through lush rhododendrons and along a river until you reach the cave.
• Gap Cave was first found by European explorers in 1750, when Dr. Thomas Walker found and named it Gap Cave. Located in Lee County, Virginia, the cave is 18.5 miles long and accessible only by guided tour. 
• East of the Gap, the Cumberland Mountain Range includes 15,470 acres of roadless habitat extending 15 miles along the Cumberland and Brush Mountains. The ridge of Cumberland Mountain forms the Kentucky-Virginia state line. Both Cumberland and Brush Mountains are exceedingly steep and rugged with high cliffs in many areas.
• Chimney Rock is a geological formation shaped like a pillar. Located at the Pinnacle Overlook, this unique rock formation could have taken 535 million years to form.
• Gap Creek is a small cascade of water flowing out of Gap Cave. This peaceful natural feature is a great spot for capturing pictures and videos.
• Yellow Creek runs along the park boundary behind New Bartlett Park and Old Barlett Park picnic shelters. Enjoy time playing in the creek, or simply listen to the flow of the water.
• More than 14,000 acres of the park are managed as Wilderness, where visitors can experience the backcountry and nature in the purest way.

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Nearby National Park Service Areas:

• Big South Fork National River & Recreational Area 90mi
• Andrew Johnson National Historic Site 80mi
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park 120mi
• Mammoth Cave National Park 225mi

Other Local Attractions:

• Kentucky Coal Mining Museum (606) 848-1530, 45mi
• Abraham Lincoln Museum (423) 869- 6235, 3mi
• Pine Mountain State Resort Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi
• Wilderness Road State Park (276) 445-3065, 10mi

Regional Tourism Information:

• Southern & Eastern KY Tourism Development Association 
• Kentucky Appalachians 
• Visit Eastern Kentucky 
• Bell County (KY) Historical Society 
• Bell County (KY) Tourism 
• Tennessee Regions: Middle East 
• Claiborne County (TN) Tourism 
• Virginia Regions: Heart of Appalachia 
• Visit Southwest Virginia 

Charges & Cancellations

Rules and Reservation Policies