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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is one of those Kentucky jewels that always make an enjoyable backpacking experience. Tucked in where Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee meet, the area is rich with history and natural wonder. On this four-day/three-night trip, we will follow the Wilderness Road as Daniel Boone did in 1775 and hike along high forested ridges with spectacular panoramic views of the valleys below. Along the way, we hike about 24 miles at a leisurely pace to take in all the natural and historical features the park has to offer including unique rock formations, waterfalls, caves, and a visit and tour of a historical settlement.

Trip Dates: March 29-April 1 or September 4-7, 2012 or choose your own dates
Days: 4 (3 nights backcountry camping)
Price: Starting at $195 per person
Trip Rating: out of
Price Includes

Professional guiding; all meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4 (3 breakfasts/1 picnic lunch and 3 trail lunches/3 dinners); all group gear including 2-person tents, stoves and cooking gear, group first aid kit, water filter, and food storage system; campsite and backcountry permit fees; and shuttle transportation.

Not Included

Transportation* from home city to Cumberland Gap NHP; personal equipment; insurance of any kind; extra snacks and energy food/drinks; guide gratuities; and items of a personal nature.

*Roundtrip ground transportation for this trip is available from Louisville, Kentucky. Contact Us for details.

Daily Itinerary

Night before: Since we will meet at 9:00am on Day 1, you may choose to arrive in Middlesboro, Kentucky or nearby the night before the trip begins.

Day 1: Our trip begins at 9:00am at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitors Center. After meeting your guide(s) and taking a short time to browse the exhibits, the group will shuttle to the trailhead where we will enjoy a picnic lunch, review of personal gear, and sorting of group gear. After everyone is ready to go, we hit the trail and begin our uphill climb to the ridges above, taking our time to enjoy the view. Today we cover 3.3 miles.

Day 2: After a relaxing breakfast, we break camp, pack up and continue our journey. After making our way back to the ridge, we will take as short side hike to visit one of the spectacular panoramic vistas in the park. Continuing one, other highlights of the day include a waterfall and cave visit. Total mileage: 6.5 miles plus side trips.

Day 3: Today is full day of history and hiking. A short hike out of camp brings us to the historic Hensley Settlement where we will enjoy a tour of this unique community of the past perched high in the mountains. The late morning and afternoon is filled with ridge hiking at a comfortable pace that leads to our camp for the night. Today we cover about 8 miles with side trips.

Day 4: By this final day, breaking camp has become much easier and we pack up and continue our last leg of the trail. As we near our final destination, we may catch glimpses of the natural feature of the park’s namesake. The trip finishes with another spectacular view of the park and surrounding area. Total hiking: 5.3 miles.

Upon registration, a $100 deposit is required to hold your spot with final payment due 30 days prior to departure.  All trips are subject to an overall minimum group size.

Register for this trip!

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