Special Use Permits
Many types of activities take place in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, from picnicking to camping to hiking and more. Some activities, such as wedding ceremonies, can be done in the park but only under an approved special use permit.
If an activity is not prohibited by law but is not something typically done by visitors, it may require a special use permit. It may be an activity that only benefits an individual, group, or organization rather than the general public. It may require management control to ensure park resources are protected and other visitors aren't disturbed. A requested special use cannot cause unacceptable impacts and has to be appropriate to the purpose of the park. For example, a park set aside to protect a Civil War cemetery would probably not approve a request to allow a carnival.
For a complete list of activities that require permits, see the Superintendent's Compendium.
If you need a permit application for a wedding or vow renewal; first amendment activity; or commercial filming or photography project please email us for the specific permit application and we will email it to you. However, a $100 non-refundable application processing fee is required with your application. This fee cannot be paid online or by phone and must be mailed or paid in person at the park visitor center before the application can be processed. The fee must be paid in the form of a personal check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to the National Park Service, mailed to the address on the application form.
NOTE: To allow enough time for compliance and other processes that might be required, please submit your special use permit application AND $100 application processing fee 45 days prior to the date of the requested activity.
For more information regarding Special Use Permits, or if you have any question as to whether or not one is required for your activity, please call (606) 248-2817, or email - with "Special Use Permits" as the subject.
