Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
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Cumberland Gap at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Gap Cave Tour
- Nearby city
- Middlesboro, KY
Explore this park
About Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
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.
1 current NPS alert
- Information: Temporary Rolling Roadblocks on Pinnacle Road
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Cumberland Gap National Historical Park page on nps.gov
Weather Information
- Summer
at Cumberland Gap are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s.
- Winter
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.
Operating Hours
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.
- Monday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Common questions
Planning Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Cumberland Gap. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
