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What an awesome experience to be at such a historic site!
We were planning our trip to a mountain chalet in Gatlinburg for our wedding anniversary when my husband and I decided to start the trip a day sooner and pick some place between here and there to spend the night. He's my online "scavenger" and found Cumberland Gap with lodging in Middlesboro, KY.
Earlier this month we were in St. Louis and experienced the Gateway Arch, gateway to the west. What better addition to our summer experience than the original "gateway" west, Cumberland Gap.
We stopped at the Visitor Center first, but didn't stay long enough to fully appreciate everything they have to offer. (We arrived 15 minutes before closing.) We got our bearings, then drove to the parking area for Pinnacle Overlook. There are two ways up: paved/handicap/stroller route is to the right; steps and trail to the left near the restrooms. We took the paved route up because that's the route everyone else who pulled into the lot at the same time that we did were taking. It was an easy walk. The views are spectacular. The day we were there you could see rain in the distance. That was cool to see.
I included photos of the signs at the overlook to help identify what was in the distance.
After spending time at the overlook, we walked onto the opposite direction following a trail that went up some steps. That's where we found the state line.
We continued on that earthen trail and it brought us back to the parking lot near the restrooms.
I wanted to experience the "Saddle of the Gap" but was confused by my GPS that showed the trail to it at a location where there was no trailhead marker or parking lot. My husband said that we should be able to get to it from a lower lot, and he was correct. We parked at the Thomas Walker Trailhead and walked about half a mile on the trail until we reached the sign that identified the gap. From there we turned right up what appeared to be a side trail and found the huge stone marker for Daniel Boone's Trail.
It felt so good to stand where Bison, Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers passed all those years ago.
I want to return and learn more. In fact, we did return to the Visitor Center on our way back from Gatlinburg. We discovered that 25E to 321 is a less hectic route to take into and out of Gatlinburg than the usual 441 through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. I did a little souvenir shopping after using...
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Beautiful, serene, pleasant, historic National Park! Presently a Florida resident, I've been visiting the area for nearly twenty years (my partner owns a farm 17 miles east of the park.) I am embarrassed to admit this was my first visit to this area of the park (there are several different areas of the park) I can't believe this Beautiful, historic "hidden gem" has been right " under my nose" for the last twenty years and we just discovered it's peaceful splendor. From my knowledge of the area, this is the western entrance/side of the park. Located near the towns of Cumberland Gap and Middlesboro. The park offers a superb diversion from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It provides a safe, quiet, natural experience perfect for all ages to enjoy an outdoor experience with lots of fresh air. Regardless if visiting alone or with a group, the park offers many opportunities for recreational activities or relaxation naturally. There are trails for hiking and walking, featuring rivers, streams, waterfalls and scenic views. Well maintained and clean picnic shelters. The park welcome center is a great place to start your visit, surrounded by plenty of complimentary parking. The restroom facilities were clean and well managed. Of course, the absolute "highlight " for my partner and I is the abundance of wildlife within the park. Park Rangers maintain a visible presence in the park, making a visit to the park very safe. Whether you plan to visit for a few hours or the entire day, Cumberland Gap National Park is a perfect escape from the "norm". If you're in the area, and can use a breath of fresh air, you should definitely check out this beautiful, peaceful and historic National Park. Oh, I did i mention there is no charge to enjoy this...
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The prettiest park you can visit and be in 3 states at once! There are numerous trails that you can hike in this park and many places that you can stop along the drive through the park.
The visitor center is a must stop. The rangers are nice. There's a little museum with history of the area and a gift shop.
One of my personal favorite stops is Sugar Run. Just a short drive once you enter the park, it has plenty of parking, a bathroom, and a shelter with grills. The shelter sits next to a creek that is also easily accessible. The creek isn't deep but is a wonderful place that kids can explore all the wonders of nature. There is a short paved trail that circles the creek with bridges on either side. Off of that starts the real hiking. Like most parks, there are several trails that you can follow that vary in distance. However, this is one of the prettiest hikes I've been on that is just enclose to forest.
Other locations you can stop include a short hike to a covered area where you can literally stand in three states at once. It also overlooks Middlesboro, Ky and is a beautiful view.
If you want less of a hike, then you can go to the pinnacle, where it overlooks Tennessee and Virginia at the same time. It's a nice paved trail with plenty of rails and an enclosed overlook that makes it very safe for kids. There is good access to bathrooms as well.
I'm sure there's much more to explore, but we haven't been able to explore it all, so that means you'll have plenty of adventures to...
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