Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Traveled to Cumberland Gap from DC. A very scenic drive – even in the winter. Our mission was to head to the Pinnacle Observatory however, the road was closed. So we just drove through the park, which was still worth it. We saw wildlife and such. We did get lost in the end though. T_​T

This is probably one of my favorite parks! Great to go for a morning run if you’re staying in the area. Sugar Run is a beautiful, scenic drive and the view from the Pinnacle is a must see! The Park Rangers are very helpful and can offer insights into which trails are best for the day. Just make sure you don’t speed through the park as they take it very seriously. There are restrooms throughout the premise. Be sure to pack water and all hiking gear if you decide to tackle one of the many trails!

Great park. If you like to hike in the mountains they have several trails. No camping though, unless you drive a few miles into VA which isn’t 10 minutes from the visitors center here.
At the overlook you can look down at the town of Cumberland and they might even be looking back up at you. Tourist alert! Tourist alert! Looks like a Yankee!
Back before the four lane and the tunnel, you used to drive over Clinch mountain when it was a twisty 2 lane then through cumberland and around to get down old 25 to Middlesboro, Corbin, Barboursville, Pineville, ect… but these days it’s pretty uneventful and quicker.
This visitor center is nice, the bathrooms are super nice, they have a nice (although expensive) gift shop upstairs and a decent little picnic area (that also has nice bathrooms) not far from it.
I’m here basicly all the time driving to and fro and have been almost all my life. I love it here. In the fall it’s beautiful up in the mountains.

I love this park, I only wish I lived closer so I can experience all it has to offer. My family is in Middlesboro, and during a recent visit, I stopped in to get maps and information. The park ranger I spoke with, Carol, was so friendly and more than happy to answer all my questions about camping with bears, hiking and as much history that she could give in the few minutes we had.
The gift store upstairs is incredible, with all of these amazing items created by local artists.
Though I’ve been to the PInnacle many times growing up, I’m anxious to get back and see it again.

I grew up going up to the Pinnacle. My father used to be a Park Ranger and worked for this very park. So it was inevitable that my childhood was spent in, near, or around this park. But I don’t regret it one bit. The mountains are beautiful and the lookouts are breathtaking. I haven’t hiked the trails in years, mainly due to a heart condition, but I can’t imagine they’ve changed that much over the years. My children have been here numerous times and when I eventually have grandchildren, they’ll visit here too. It has a beauty very few other places possess. If you have the opportunity, please go visit.

With an incredible view of the mountains for miles off into the horizon, I love Cumberland Gap and all it has to offer! The cave tour was fun, and the picnic areas clean and cool. Its a great place to bring my pets, and family for a nice relaxing evening in the park. And for all those history buffs out there, reenactments and museums are easily accessible.