First Amendment Activities

Examples of First Amendment activities:

• Religious services
• Political speeches
• Press conferences
• Voter registration
• Public demonstration, picketing, assembly or rally expressing opinions and views

A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Groups larger than 25 participants
• Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.
• Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location
• Is requesting an area not otherwise open to the public

A group of 25 people or fewer is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if you do not meet the criteria above, but you may choose to obtain a permit to prevent another group from reserving your requested area.

The National Park Service has designated two First Amendment Assembly Areas within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: bus parking area at the far end of the parking lot left of the bathrooms and at the lower right corner of the visitor center parking lot. Maps of these areas can be found in the Superintendent’s Compendium. Alternative locations may be requested and will be accommodated as feasible.

If your activity meets the criteria above or you wish to obtain a permit for your First Amendment activity, complete the First Amendment application and return it by email - with "Special Use Permits" as the title. We request that applications are submitted no later than 45 days prior to the activity to allow time for processing. No application fee is required for First Amendment activities.

For more information call 606-248-2817.