Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center — Attraction in Middlesborough

We visited on a Friday afternoon in early April. It was very rainy. We were hoping to do the Tri-State peak trail but decided to do pinnacle overlook instead. It was a road with a lot of switch backs and when we got there we were basically in a cloud and it was just white as far as you could see. It was interesting honestly how much you could NOT see but know what was out there.

The visitor center itself was great. Walking in between the automated doors is the passport cancellation stamps. It's a little annoying because of the automatic doors every time you moved they would open. There were groups of families coming to visit here and there but overall it was not crowded. The NPS store was kind of just setup in the open space to the left and if you walked through it you got to a one large room with the exhibits. The store was slightly larger than we were expecting and had a good amount of merch like pins, hiking medallions, key chains, magnets and clothing apparel. A few of the exhibits seemed like they were not working. If you walk straight there are a set a stairs that take you up stairs. Just outside of what looks like a auditorium is a large flat screen TV with a dozen or so rocking chairs. Under the TV they have 2 buttons to play the 2 movies. 1 is on the history of Daniel Boon and the Cumberland gap and the other is most of the history of the Cumberland gap over time.

Our kids did the junior ranger for this NPS site as well. I think it was a weird one because you just do as many of the activities you feel like. The ranger we spoke with who checked their work was super nice and friendly. He apparently had just recently transferred from Ford's Theater. The volunteer who helped swear our kids in was also very friendly and knowledgeable about the junior ranger program and gave our kids a very special discontinued junior ranger program book from the pass that they still had laying around which was super cool.

Overall we enjoyed our visit. We would definitely visit again when passing through since we weren't able to do our hike. Definitely worth 30-60 mins to watch the videos and look at...

The fauna and flora in this area is amazing and endless!! The historical significance of the Gap is something everyone should know. Daniel Boone truly a trailblazer. Today I was at the Pinnacle where you can see three states and a thunderstorm rolled in from the south and it was very cool seeing it in the distance. The park rangers were awesome and there are two videos you can watch before venturing out. There are miles and miles of trails - easy to more difficult. Or you can drive to certain spots. I dipped down into Cumberland Gap, TN to have lunch and then continued back to Ky. Great National Park! #USNationalPark #CumberlandGap...

I stopped here to get a backcountry permit, and ask a few questions about the trails and the backcountry sites. The NP ranger that helped me was amazing. She took out a series of highlighters to suggest different routes for me, along with overlook areas that I could access by car prior to going backpacking. She arranged for my permit, told me where there was water, and gave me additional bear awareness guidance. She was so friendly and welcoming. The center itself is beautiful. You could spend several hours there just looking at all the exhibits. I left with loads of helpful information and was well prepared to backpack. Thank you...