cumberland gap national historical park

Enjoyed the visitors center and film about the park and the other exhibits displayed. Bad weather and coldness kept us from enjoying some of the trails and the gap but we will make another trip during the ssummer to make up for those. The park rangers were nice and knowledgeable.

We arrived the first day the park visitor center was open after the debilitating winter weather that hit Tennessee. Enjoyed the movie and the displays. The craft store was closed but we did manage to return the following day for a few minutes. Can't wait to return to this beautiful part of the US in milder weather!

We visited here several years ago where they have an excellent visitor center. I purchased an excellent biography of Daniel Boone. This area was a significant area for early American westward settlement--one of America's first pathways west if my understanding of history is correct. Scenic views are spectacular. The city of Middlesboro, KENTUCKY can meet needs for food and fuel--nice city. Another interesting geographical feature of this area is that the states of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee converge near here--a U.S. Geological Survey plate is fixed under a shelter at Tri-Peaks State Park. Historically interesting and peacefully scenic.

Our first day in the area we took the small group Hensley Tour - actually the last of the season and the scenery was amazing. Our guide, Ranger Matthew was fabulous and very knowledgable as he guided us on this four hour journey including an hour drive up the mountain and an hour back. The Hensley homestead tour is amazing on so many levels and we thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to step back into the early 1900's. You must book well in advance but it is an experience.... However, I would not recommend it for folks with mobility issues as there is a great deal of walking on uneven surfaces..... We also went to the Visitor Center where we watched a brief movie about the area and its history and then headed up to Pinnacle Overlook for a spectacular view of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia - The Fall was a spectacular time of year for this visit. Following day found us in the Daniel Boone Parking Area where we met Rangers Seth & Brittnay for a tour of the Cave. As we were issued our flashlights and began our walk to the cave entrance it was interesting to note that we were walking in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, other famous frontiersmen and the early settlers. As we entered the cave we were warned of tight spaces and some steep inclines with no bathrooms ( so be sure to go before you make the treck). The only light in the cave was the lanterns we carried which was very interesting. It was a wonderful opportunity and we are so happy we did it... If you are in relatively good health and just a little active you will be able to do it, our group of 6 adults ages ranged from 60 to 73 and only one member backed out at the last minute do to claustrophobia issues... This was a great two days during a beautiful season of the year...... Their website is very easy to navigate and when we called to book the tours the representatives were very helpful and knowledgeable. This was a fabulous stop along our journey....

We stopped at the visitor center while driving home from a trip. The center was fantastic for a rest stop. Bathrooms were clean and easy to get to. The view even from the parking lot is refreshing. I saw several trailheads for short hikes and I was jealous we didn't have more time to explore. Inside the center there's a well stocked local items shop. I found a great book about the native's history of the area and some handmade wooden things for my kitchen. The rangers were able to answer questions about the area and time to take on the trails. I'll definitely plan more time when we're in the area again to take on some trails.

We visited the park and visitor's center with a friend from Corbin KY. First we drove up to Pinnacle Outlook. The ride up has a lot of switchbacks and no guard rails. It is not to be done in the for or when slippery. That said, the view of three states was great. It would be beautiful in October with all the fall colour - not so great in December.The visitor's center was quite nice and had a beautiful gift shop.

The Pinnacle Outlook covers about 25 miles of scenery when the weather permits. The ride up has some great switchbacks for an adventurous motorcyclist.

What a great history lesson. Be sure to see the two movies in the visitors' center before driving to Pinnacle Peak. We planned two days for our visit, but one was sufficient. Lots to see and learn about. Did not do the cave tour but understood it was excellent.

I usually go to Middlesboro Kentucky a couple of times a year and love coming here and looking at the scenery and the gift shop. The visitor center is very pretty, especially the things for sale in the gift shop.

Love this park! In the Fall it is the prettiest, but is a great place in all seasons! The walking trails are great and nature is the star of this area! Go on up to Cudjo's Cave(Gap Cave), the Pinnacle, and the Three States Marker while you're there!!

Excellent Park Hiking trails perfect for day long or overnight stays. Friendly staff. I love running the trails the most and I understand there are 80 miles of trails available

The Pinnacle Overlook was stunning in all it's fall colors. The rangers at the welcome station were most helpful & the historical information room provided good background for the area's development.

I am used to the great National Parks of the West, so Cumberland Gap was kind of underwhelming. I guess for the Eastern USA, it's good, but certainly not a world class destination like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion or many others West of the Mississippi River. I did enjoy the visitor center films, especially the one about Daniel Boone. Worth a stop if you are passing by, but certainly not worth a trip on its own merit. Average.

Pinnacle Point observation area - good walk, 200 yds, handicap accessible and well worth the views. Also the tunnel from TN to KY is nice.

Recent hiking trip to Cumberland Gap and stay at the park's campground was a great success. Very nice campground, great hosts, good safety patrol practices are all well done and I would definitely stay here again. The rates are very reasonable. Trails are accessible throughout the campground for multiple hiking routes with great views and history markers along the way. The town of Cumberland Gap is quaint with friendly people, the hotel there is also very nice, especially when the weather did not cooperate, and reasonable as well. If a fast food fix is required or shopping well known stores, the town of Middlesboro, Ky is close by as well. If you are a history buff, this area has a lot to offer. Worth putting on your calender!