In the early days of American history, a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains opened land west of that chain to settlers of present-day Kentucky. This began in 1775, when Daniel Boone blazed a trail through the Cumberland Gap to create the Wilderness Road. It’s thought that between 1775-1810, an estimated 300,000 people crossed the Gap to settle lands west of the Appalachians! Later, as the Civil War gripped the nation, both the North and the South considered this area to be a strategic foothold.
Today, the region’s rich history and natural beauty draw visitors in. From guided tours and historic settlements, to camping, hiking, sightseeing and more – Cumberland Gap holds something for everyone!
Learn more about Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.