Overview
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park, spanning the states of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Wettest: May and Mar. (climate data from nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 57 mi away (major hub). Directions
- TRI Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport, Blountville — 72 mi away. Directions
The closest major airport is in Knoxville, Tennessee, approximately 85 miles away.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Summers at Cumberland Gap are hot and humid, with temperatures commonly in the mid to upper 90s (°F). Winters 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.
If hiking in the backcountry, please remember that temperatures at higher elevations are five to ten degrees cooler.
Get in
The closest major airport is in Knoxville, Tennessee, approximately 85 miles away.
Visitors traveling on Interstate 75 in Kentucky should exit on Highway 25E at Corbin. Cumberland Gap is 50 miles south of Corbin on 25E.
There is no public transportation in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Fees and permits
Cumberland Gap has no entrance fees. Backcountry camping requires a free permit, obtainable from the Visitor Center (see below).
Get around
Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and must be obtained at the park visitor center.
Do
Skyland Road and the Pinnacle Overlook: be sure to take this beautiful road up! You can see Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.
There are also about 85 miles of hiking trails that cover the 24,000-acre national park. Distances range from a 1/4-mile loop trail to the 21-mile-long Ridge Trail.
Sleep
Camping
Wilderness Road Campground
The Wilderness Road Campground is approximately 3 miles from the park visitor center off of Highway 58 in Virginia. It has 160 sites in a beautiful wooded setting. 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups are available at 41 of the sites. Hot showers and potable water are located in the comfort stations. A dump station is located near the campground entrance. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is open year around. Camping fees are $12 per night per site for tent sites with no electricity and $17 per night per site for electrical hookup.
Backcountry camping
Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and must be obtained at the park visitor center.
Stay safe
Bears are active in the park. Please be sure to store food in a secure location when not in use and dispose of garbage appropriately (either take it with you or place into a park bear proof container). There are two venomous snakes in the park: The Northern Copperhead and the Timber Rattler. These snakes are not a problem if left alone.
Nearby
Jellico
City / town · 2 listings · 25 mi away
Williamsburg
City / town · 3 listings · 28 mi away
Corbin
City / town · 15 listings · 32 mi away
Morristown
City / town · 4 listings · 35 mi away
Pioneer
City / town · 1 listings · 37 mi away
Rocky Top
City / town · 3 listings · 38 mi away
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Park · 4 listings · 40 mi away
London
City / town · 15 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
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