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.

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.

## 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

  * 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. 

## 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

For facility specific information, please call (606) 248-2817.

## 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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuga/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Road Campground</a>  is nestled in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Cumberland Gap National Historical Park</a> , where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. You can access miles of forest and mountain trails directly from the campground.   </p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cuga/learn/historyculture/hensley-virtual-tour.htm" rel="nofollow">Hensley Settlement</a>  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.   </p>
<p>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). </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Over 85 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for <strong>Hiking and Backpacking </strong>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. </li>
<li><strong>Backcountry Camping</strong> 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. </li>
<li><strong>Picnicking </strong>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. </li>
<li><strong>Horseback Riding</strong> is permitted on the 17-mile Ridge Trail, which extends from the Pinnacle to White Rocks. </li>
<li><strong>Guided Tours, Hikes, and Programs </strong>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. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Over 85 miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for <strong>Hiking and Backpacking </strong>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. </li>
<li><strong>Backcountry Camping</strong> 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. </li>
<li><strong>Picnicking </strong>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. </li>
<li><strong>Horseback Riding</strong> is permitted on the 17-mile Ridge Trail, which extends from the Pinnacle to White Rocks. </li>
<li><strong>Guided Tours, Hikes, and Programs </strong>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. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cumberland Gap</strong>, 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. </li>
<li>The cliffs of<strong> White Rocks</strong> 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. </li>
<li>A natural scenic area in Kentucky, <strong>Sand Cave</strong> 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.</li>
<li><strong>Skylight Cave </strong>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.</li>
<li><strong>Gap Cave</strong> 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. </li>
<li>East of the Gap, the <strong>Cumberland Mountain Range </strong>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.</li>
<li><strong>Chimney Rock </strong>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.</li>
<li><strong>Gap Creek </strong>is a small cascade of water flowing out of Gap Cave. This peaceful natural feature is a great spot for capturing pictures and videos.</li>
<li><strong>Yellow Creek </strong>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.</li>
<li>More than 14,000 acres of the park are managed as <strong>Wilderness</strong>, where visitors can experience the backcountry and nature in the purest way.</li>
</ul>

<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (606) 248-2817.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p><strong>Nearby National Park Service Areas:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Big South Fork National River & Recreational Area</a>  90mi</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/anjo/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Andrew Johnson National Historic Site</a>  80mi</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a>  120mi</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Mammoth Cave National Park</a>  225mi</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Local Attractions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://kycoalmuseum.southeast.kctcs.edu/" rel="nofollow">Kentucky Coal Mining Museum</a>  (606) 848-1530, 45mi</li>
<li><a href="https://www.lmunet.edu/abraham-lincoln-library-and-museum/index" rel="nofollow">Abraham Lincoln Museum</a>  (423) 869- 6235, 3mi</li>
<li><a href="https://parks.ky.gov/pineville/parks/resort/pine-mountain-state-resort-park" rel="nofollow">Pine Mountain State Resort Park</a>  (276) 445-3065, 10mi</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/wilderness-road" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Road State Park</a>  (276) 445-3065, 10mi</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Regional Tourism Information:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.go-kentucky.com/Southern-And-Eastern-KY-Tourism-Development-Association/" rel="nofollow">Southern & Eastern KY Tourism Development Association</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.kentuckytourism.com/explore-kentucky/kentucky-appalachians" rel="nofollow">Kentucky Appalachians</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://visiteasternkentucky.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit Eastern Kentucky</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bellcountyhistorical.org/" rel="nofollow">Bell County (KY) Historical Society</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bellcountytourism.com/" rel="nofollow">Bell County (KY) Tourism</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.tnvacation.com/east-tennessee/knoxville-middle-east" rel="nofollow">Tennessee Regions: Middle East</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://claibornecountytn.gov/visitors/" rel="nofollow">Claiborne County (TN) Tourism</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.virginia.org/places-to-visit/regions/heart-of-appalachia/" rel="nofollow">Virginia Regions: Heart of Appalachia</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://visitswva.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit Southwest Virginia</a> </li>
</ul>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">Rules and Reservation Policies</a> </p>

For all campsites, reservations and payments must be made by visiting
www.recreation.gov or calling the Rec.gov Reservation Line at (877) 444-6777.

INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY CAMPING

  * **$18.00** per night per site **without electricity**. Maximum of eight people, four tents, and two cars per site.
  * **$24.00** per night per site**with electricity**.

All sites are **half price** for **Interagency Senior** and**Access Pass
holders**. (**$9.00** for a **non-electric campsite** and **$12.00** for
an**electric campsite**)

GROUP CAMPING

  * **$39.00** per night per Group Campsite. Minimum of 12 people, maximum of 25 people, and maximum of 4 vehicles per group site. No electricity is available at group sites. Group Camping is located in loops G and O.

A blacktop road with red and yellow cables to the left.

A walkway with railing and colorful trees along the side.

The natural gap in the mountains where hundreds of thousands of pioneers traveled on their journey to the west.

A light blue sky with green mountains.

A sidewalk with a brown building to the left.

A blue sky with trees and mountains.

Potable water located to the right of the entrance station.

Brown leaves on the ground with wood laying around, colorful trees surrounding, and a picnic table to the right.

Entrance Station is the brown building to the right, then on past the station is the dump station, and potable water hookup.

A blacktop road with trees near and a brown building to the right.

Wilderness Road Campground

Sand Cave is a massive sandstone rockshelter found in the backcountry

Hiker in Sand Cave

View from the Pinnacle Overlook

Mountain View

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cleopatra's Pool is located deep in the Gap Cave

Gap Cave

History comes alive

Pioneers Crossing Creek

Weathered log cabins greet visitors to Hensley Settlement

Hensley Settlement

Pinnacle Overlook offers spectacular mountain views and sometimes an unusual view of a fog phenomenon that resembles a cauldron boiling over. A paved, curvy mountain road allows most visitors to drive up, park close by, and walk out to the overlook on an accessible path. Vehicles over 20 feet (6 m) and those pulling a trailer are prohibited from driving all the way up to the Pinnacle and must stop at the Thomas Walker parking area.

Fog rolls over a mountain down into a town

Cumberland Gap was set aside to preserve the First Great Gateway to the West. This V-shaped notch in the formidable Appalachian Mountains was one of few places to safely walk over the mountains and was used by bison, elk, Indigenous Peoples, European explorers, hunters, immigrants, and others for centuries. This opening funneled hundreds of thousands of people across the mountains to spread across and settle the country's interior and played a key role in the formation of the United States.

The sun rises over a V-shaped notch in a forested mountain range.

Visiting Sand Cave, a massive sandstone rock shelter, involves hiking about 10 miles (16 km) round trip over moderate to strenuous terrain.

A man hikes in an enormous open cave with a sandy floor.

Guided tours to the historic Hensley Settlement, a remote, early 1900s Appalachian settlement at the top of Brush Mountain, are offered from late May through October each year. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the main park visitor center up to one month prior to the tour.

A small log cabin and wood fencing in a field, with a forested background of trees with red, green, and orange leaves.

Guided tours through Gap Cave are offered from late April through September each year. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the main park visitor center up to one month prior to the tour.

A man stands next to a large columnar cave formation that reaches from floor to ceiling of a cave.

White Rocks offers a challenging hike with magnificent scenic rewards.

A grayish-white, rounded rock cliff in front of a scenic view of forested mountains white with snow.

The park includes over 24,000 acres, with over 14,000 acres of recommended wilderness and about 85 miles of hiking trails.

A group of 6 hikers with backpacks and walking sticks walk on a trail through the forest.

Wilderness Road Campground offers electric and primitive camping for tents and RVs. All campground reservations and payments must be made through recreation.gov.

A paved road through the woods with alternating paved pull-outs. A red pickup truck pulling a camper is parked in one pull-out.

Visitors can stand in 3 states at the same time at Tri-State Peak, a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) round trip hike.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Wilderness Road Campground

Nearby Parks

Wilderness Road State Park