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Panoramic view of Cumberland Gap with morning mist

The story of the early pioneers' and settlers' migration west through Cumberland Gap comes to life as visitors experience the first great gateway to the west. Follow the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer... all traveled this route through the Virginia mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic views found in the park which features accessible picnicing and camping.

 

Woman in wheelchair at Visitor Center  

 

The park visitor center houses a museum with interactive exhibits, book sales outlet, auditorium with 2 high definition films, and Cumberland Crafts which showcases handmade crafts from the region. The visitor center is fully accessible with designated parking and an elevator.

 

Attractions

CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK                             606-248-2817
P. O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Can be reached from U. S. Rte 58 in Virginia.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Park in KY, TN and VA.  Important rte of commerce and travel 1750 to the early 1800’s.  Daniel Boone marked  trail into KY for pioneer settlers, opening the American west.

PARKING:  3 wheelchair accessible parking spaces at Visitor Center,  1 wheelchair accessible parking space at Sugar Run Picnic Area,
1 wheelchair accessible parking space at  Wilderness Road Picnic Area and 2 wheelchair accessible parking spaces at Pinnacle Overlook.

TYPES OF PATHS:  Concrete or asphalt paths at Visitor Center, Sugar Run, Wilderness Road Picnic Areas and Wilderness Road Campground.

ENTRANCE:  Located at Visitor Center.  Automatic doors.

PUBLIC REST ROOMS:  Visitor Center -Wheelchair accessible toilet is 19 inches high with room for lateral transfer.  Sink height is 34 in.  Lever  handles.  Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions.  Rest rooms are identified by a raised figure with pants or skirt on door to
designate men or women. Wilderness Road Picnic Area-Wheelchair accessible toilet is 19 inches high with room for lateral transfer.  Restrooms have 33 in. door opening out, and handrails.   Sugar Run Picnic Area restrooms have 33 in. doors.  Accessible stall has 32 in. door.  Handrails.  Distance between commode and wall is 14 in.  Wilderness Road Campground-Wheelchair accessible toilet is 19 inches high with room for lateral transfer.  Restrooms have 34 in. door.   Handrails.  Stall is 6 ft. by 9 ft.  Roll-in shower has 31 in. door.  Pinnacle Overlook restrooms are not accessible for wheelchairs.

SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing disabilities, there is caption on film.  Visitors with hearing disabilities should alert guides so they can face them as much as possible during presentations.   
For guests with visual disabilities, there are hands-on exhibits and documents in large print on non-glossy surface.

SALES AREA:  Counters 25 in. Clerks assist customers with special needs. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Wilderness Road Picnic Area has wheelchair accessible picnic tables.  Covered shelters.  Wilderness Road Campground Amphitheater has wheelchair section for 6-7 chairs.   Campfire programs, Daniel Boone folklore and pioneer life.  Sugar Run Picnic Area has covered picnic shelter.  1/10 mi. asphalt trail is wheelchair accessible.  Pinnacle Overlook has 1/4 mile paved trail to  overlook.  Wilderness Road Campground has 160 sites, each with paved pull-in, picnic table and grill.  RV hookups are available.  Running water and rest rooms.  Accepted credit cards:  MC, V and DS.  Historical park hours:  8-6 Summer, 8-5 Labor Day-Memorial Day.  Closed Christmas  Day.

Fall scene in Southwestern Virginia

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