Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Pinnacle Overlook panorama Despite its misleading name, this park is steeped with history, and that past is blended onto a majestic mountain. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, situated at the trifecta of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, adds a historical veneer to the park’s rich natural elements by drawing inspiration from Daniel Boone’s introduction of the Wilderness Road into Kentucky, among other historical events. There is a lot for the tourist to see and do thanks to this combo. Get a feel for the past by visiting Cumberland Gap.

Proceed to the memorial site at the real Cumberland Gap, which was returned to its original state when it was transformed into the main route of the Wilderness Road. Marvel at a pioneer town, two Civil War fort ruins, and an iron foundry. Skylight Cave, Cudjo Cave, the Pinnacle, and, most notably, White Rocks are among the many natural attractions. From the Pinnacle, one may enjoy far-reaching views.

This 20,000-acre preserve is one of the least used parks in Virginia. It sits on a steeply forested hilltop and features an automobile-accessible campground with an adjacent picnic area. Sprawling beneath dense pine, dogwood, oak, maple, and hickory woodland, its 160 sites—some of which have electricity—offer exceptional seclusion. There are three restrooms available in the campground. You can always guarantee a space at this campground because it never gets full.

Starting at the Wilderness Road Campground, you can access a network of trails, both short and long spurs. Accessible via the Gibson Gap Trail, Skylight Cave, and the Pinnacle can be reached via the Lewis Hollow Trail. Another option is to head to the Cudjo Cave Area via the Wilderness Road Trail. From there, you can reach the Tri-State Trail and Tri-State Peak, where you can view Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia all laid out before you. The Hensley Settlement is a collection of pioneer homes that rivals any aggregation of historic pioneer structures. You can take a ranger-guided walk through time to get to it.