Native Americans knew the way to break through from east to west, a natural—and naturally beautiful – passage cut through the Appalachians. Widened and improved by no less than Daniel Boone, that gap gained a name: the Cumberland Gap.
There’s no better place to explore the Appalachians than Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, nestled where Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia meet.
Start your tour at the Visitor Center. Center yourself and delve deep into the history of the park. It’s perfect for hiking, laced as it is with an extensive trail 85-mile system that crisscrosses its 24,000-acre expanse. Hike those trails, horseback ‘em, or bicycle where you can. The vistas you’ll see, the wildlife you’ll encounter, are extraordinary.
To help put the park in historical context embark on a guided journey of Hensley Settlement on a misty morn. Move quietly through the mountaintop community’s historic structures and contemplate an earlier time. Walk fence-lined lanes, stop at the blacksmith’s shop, fathom what it was like to learn in the one-room schoolhouse. The tours take about four hours and entail a shuttle bus ride from the visitor center. Bring really good walking shoes. Tour capacity is capped. That’s why reservations are recommended. You can make them as much as a month in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.
The above ground majesty of Cumberland Gap is matched only by that which lies beneath your feet. A guided tour of Gap Cave is also a must, especially a stop in the ‘Music Room.’ Dramatic dripstone formations dominate this underground wonderland, a place populated by animals that have adapted to the cool, damp darkness.
(Image: almassengale)
