Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Middlesboro, KY
The mountain pass used by Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road, where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia meet. From the visitor center a winding road climbs to the Pinnacle Overlook; vehicles over 20 feet (6 m) are not allowed on it.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a national park where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia meet; the local reference point is Middlesboro, Kentucky. It covers about 97 square kilometres and has some 137 kilometres of hiking trails, from short loops to the 34-kilometre Ridge Trail.
From Pinnacle Overlook, reached via Skyland Road, you look into all three states. The visitor centre issues free backcountry camping permits. Wilderness Road Campground in Virginia has 160 wooded sites, open all year on a first-come, first-served basis; 41 sites have electric hookups, and there are showers and a dump station.
According to the source, the park charges no entrance fee. From Corbin on I-75 it is about 80 kilometres via US 25E. There is no public transport in the park; black bears are active, so store food securely. Motorhome drivers should check access conditions and possible length restrictions for the mountain road to Pinnacle Overlook with the park in advance.
- Nearest town
- Middlesboro, KY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.6048, -83.6928
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Bunch Hollow Campground & ResortMotorhome stopover11 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Rock Bottom Horse CampCampsite15 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · 8 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Cedar Grove CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Lakeview CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Powell Valley Marina and CampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkMotorhomes
- Thompson ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is in Middlesboro, KY, at GPS 36.6048, -83.6928. It is about 9 mi from Pine Mountain State Resort Park.
Can you camp near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wilderness Road Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cumberland Gap and the moonbow at Cumberland Falls and Moonbows, sandstone arches and coal trains – by camper across the Cumberland Plateau from Berea to the Breaks.
What is there to see near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (40 mi), Natural Tunnel State Park (53 mi), Historic Rugby (58 mi) and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (64 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cumberland Gap National Historical Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)