Wilderness Road Heritage Highway
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, KY

Carved by the natural elements, such as wind and water, the Cumberland Gap has long been the gateway through the Appalachian Mountains. Animals, Native Americans, trappers, and pioneers used this gap to access the pristine lands in Kentucky. It is estimated that between 1775-1810 200,000 and 300,000 people traveled through the gap. Follow in the footsteps of famous explorers like Daniel Boone and experience the many sites at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.

With 50 miles of hiking trails, there is something for everyone, from short nature trails to overnight treks. In addition to this, there are many sites to see at the park and rangers provide activities and tours of some of the sites. You can walk along the Wilderness Road, visit longhunter and pioneer encampments, and enjoy campfire programs. Drive to the top of Pinnacle Mountain and view Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and distant views of North Carolina.

Other attractions include the Hensley Settlement, a restored mountain community which shows what life would have been like as an early pioneer in Kentucky. White Rocks is a massive limestone outcropping that was a landmark for those traveling the Wilderness Road, and Sand Cave is a 75-foot high sandstone overhang which is decorated with different colors of sand.