Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

There is plenty for RV travelers to experience at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Hike up to the top of the mountain to see impressive vistas or explore unique formations of sandstone in the park. You will also find underground caverns to check out. 

Hiking Trails

• Sand Cave and White Rocks Via Ewing Trail

  The Sand Cave and White Rocks Via Ewing Trail is a popular spot near Ewing. This is a great trail for a nature walk where you have a good chance at spotting some wildlife. You will enjoy exploring the magnificent Sand Cave as well as White Rock. You will get a good workout climbing up some hills and also downward inclines, but the overlooks and rock formations are worth the strain.

  Location

  SR724, Ewing, VA 24248

  Length

  8.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Tri-State Peak

  The Tri-State Peak trail is an out-and-back trail featuring a beautiful, forested walk through nature. This trail leads up to the peak where you can see Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee all at once. You will also find yourself surrounded by remnants from the Civil War, like rifle trenches. The trail is mostly gravel. 

  Location

  J82F+8R Cumberland Gap, TN 24248

  Length

  2.2 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Pinnacle Overlook Trail

  The Pinnacle Overlook Trail features a gorgeous waterfall. This is an ideal trail for bird watching, wildflowers, and wildlife. You'll follow a little stream part of the way before the trail starts to climb. You will also see some fascinating rock formations.

  Location

  J84M+34, Ewing, VA 24248

  Length

  7.8 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Roaring Run Recreational Area

  The Roaring Run Recreational Area is an excellent spot to get away from the summer heat. You can enjoy picnicking in the shade next to a native trout stream. Then, take the 1.5-mile trail that leads up to a gorgeous waterfall. While you are there, check out the historic iron furnace that worked before the Civil War.

  Location

  450 Roaring Run Road, Eagle Rock, VA 24085

• Birch Knob Tower

  The Birch Knob Tower is located in Dickenson County, 3,144 feet above sea level. Climb 183 steps up to the tower. Be sure to bring your water bottle and your camera. You will sit on a rock outcrop at the highest summit of Pine Mountain where you can see West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. On a clear day, you can even see Ohio. 

  Location

  Birch Knob Dr, Clintwood, VA 24228

• Burke’s Garden

  Burke’s Garden is a bowl-shaped valley carved out of a mountaintop that has absolutely breathtaking scenery with green farmland, lots of wildlife, including rare birds, and permits biking or hiking the Appalachian Trail. It is surrounded by mountain ranges and is one of the best farming areas in Virginia. 

  Location

  Route 623, Tazewell, VA 24651

Museums

• Little Congress Bicycle Museum

  The Little Congress Bicycle Museum represents the history of bicycles by showing their styling, engineering, and historical and cultural significance. They feature a 1950 Monark Super Deluxe, a 1968 Lemon Peeler from Schwinn, and a 1950 Schwinn Panther D-27. 

  Location

  807 Llewelyn Street, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724

• Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum

  The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum will be reopening in late 2021 after a huge expansion project. They are adding new galleries and a children’s learning laboratory that helps visitors experience the museum’s extensive collection covering the life of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and the founding of the University. 

  Location

  120 Mars-Debusk Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752

• Bell County Historical Society

  The Bell County Historical Society has many exhibits in their museum located in the historic Carnegie Library. The Early History exhibit shows the meteor impact where the City of Middleborough now lies. From there, they get into the American Indian exploration featuring effigies and arrowheads from the area. They also include the Victorian Parlor featuring a settee from the Boone Way Inn, the Library, and the Archives.

  Location

  207 N. 20th Street, Middlesboro, KY 40965

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Mitty’s Metal Art Studio and The Shop

  Mitty’s Metal Art Studio and The Shop works with professional designers and private clients who want custom pieces. They have the blacksmith tools needed to create the designs you are imagining. They also have items for sale featuring handmade furnishings, decorations for your home, and unique gifts. 

  Location

  519 Lynn Street, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724

• Floyds Flower Shop

  Floyds Flower Shop is a quaint little shop designed to bring some beauty and color into your world. They have beautiful flower arrangements for any holidays and arrangements like the European Dish Garden that features a fern and a prayer plant. 

  Location

  7014 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752

• Gap Creek Coffee House & Café

  The Gap Creek Coffee House & Café specializes in café food. It is vegetarian and vegan friendly with options on the menu. They offer grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches, chicken salad, delicious wraps, and veggies. They also have a variety of soups and small house salads. 

  Location

  710 Pinnacle Alley, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724

• Cowboys Mexican Grill and Pizzeria

  Cowboys Mexican Gill and Pizzeria offers lunch express items served with rice and beans. Enjoy tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chalupas, and more. They also have a wide variety of pizzas, including Mexicana, veggie, and ultimate pepperoni. 

  Location

  6341 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752

How To Get To Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is south of Lexington, Kentucky. From Lexington, travel on Interstate 75 going south. Pass London and keep south to Exit 29. Take Exit 29 for US-25/US-25E/Cumberland Gap Parkway. Use the two left lanes to turn left onto Cumberland Gap Parkway/US-25 E S. Continue onto US-25E Scenic S. Continue onto Bob Madon Bypass at Pineville. Then, continue back on US-25E headed south. Turn left on State Highway 188. Turn onto State Highway 988, and it will take you right into the park.

Address

91 Bartlett Park Road, Middlesboro, KY 40965

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is an awe-inspiring area with breathtaking views and rich history. You will enjoy hiking up to scenic overlooks. Explore caves, waterfalls, and natural beauty. Since the park covers a huge rural area, traveling by RV gives you the freedom and convenience to enjoy this entire area as you explore the famous Cumberland Gap.