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Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkPark rangers take visitors back in time among the historic log cabins of the Hensley Settlement tour.
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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Guided Tours
 
At 65 feet tall, the Pillar of Hercules towers over visitors to Gap Cave.
Photo by Robert J. Cetera
Gap Cave

Gap Cave Tours

Join park rangers on an exciting two-hour adventure exploring this majestic underground cathedral! Discover glistening stalagmites and flowstone cascades, or catch a glimpse of a bat.

The moderately strenuous, 1.5 mile tour explores four levels of the cave via 183 steps. The tour includes a 1 mile hike along the historic Wilderness Road. For the safety of all, no children under the age of five are permitted. Appropriate hiking footwear is required. No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed.

All tours meet at the Daniel Boone parking area. Tickets must be purchased at least 15 minutes in advance.

Tour has limited capacity. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to one month in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

Ticket prices
Adults - $8.00
Seniors with Golden Age Passport - $4.00
Children five through twelve - $4.00 

Schedule
Jan 1 - March 31
Weekends only 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
April 1 - May 27
Weekdays - 10:00 am, Weekends - 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
May 28 - Sept 4
Daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Sept 5 - Dec 31
Weekdays - 10:00 am, Weekends - 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

historic cabin at the Hensley Settlement
Photo by John Graves
Hensley Settlement

Hensley Settlement Tours

Join park rangers and step into the past at the historic Hensley Settlement on top of Brush Mountain. Stroll down fence-lined lanes, step into the blacksmith's shop, look into the springhouse and sit in the one-room schoolhouse. The Hensley Settlement was established in 1904 by Sherman Hensley and was occupied until 1951. The historic buildings remain and can be visited on this 3 1/2 to 4 hour tour. 

The tours depart from the visitor center and involve a shuttle ride to the settlement.  For the one mile walk through the settlement, comfortable walking shoes and clothing are a must. Bring a light snack and drink. 

Tour has limited capacity. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to one month in advance by calling the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817. 

Ticket Prices
Adults- $10.00
Seniors with a Golden Age Passport - $5.00
Children under the age of 12 - $5.00

Schedule
May 13 - October 31
Daily at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm
The park visitor center houses a museum, book sales, handmade crafts, and an auditorium with 2 high definition films shown daily.
The park visitor center
The visitor center houses a museum, book sales, handmade crafts from the region, and an auditorium.
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The Wilderness Road campground
Camping
The Wilderness Road campground has sites situated in a spectacular wooded setting.
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Nature hike
Discover the wonders of the natural world!
Park rangers lead visitors on hikes which unlock the mysteries of the natural world.
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Kentucky’s Historian Laureate, Dr. Thomas Clark  

Did You Know?
Kentucky’s Historian Laureate, Dr. Thomas Clark, listed Cumberland Gap as #1 in his list of 11 sites that every Kentuckian should visit. (Dr. Clark passed away on July 28th, 2005… just two weeks short of his 102nd birthday!)

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Last Updated: October 30, 2008 at 08:53 EST