Free Topo Maps of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Download free topo maps of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Free means free; no sign-ups, registration or other annoying hoops! Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to navigate and locate the Kentucky maps you need.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Artemus, KY
- North Topo Map: Pineville, KY
- Northeast Topo Map: Balkan, KY
- West Topo Map: Kayjay, KY
- Topo Map: Middlesboro North, KY
- East Topo Map: Varilla, KY
- Southwest Topo Map: Fork Ridge, TN
- South Topo Map: Middlesboro South, KY
- Southeast Topo Map: Wheeler, IL
Location of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a celebration of the past, of the Native Americans who lived there, the pioneers who made a passage through this beautiful region of the Appalachians and the settlers who followed. The spectacular beauty of the landscape's wildflowers holds the secrets of the Native American's use of these natural resources, from medicines to teas, dyes and more.
Daniel Boone's Wilderness Trail followed the Native American and buffalo routes creating a major gateway through the Appalachian Mountains to the west. This was the trail which was used by thousands of settlers who emigrated to Kentucky and further west.
At Cumberland Gap you will find eighty-five trails to explore, wilderness camping, some of the original structures built by settlers that can be toured and many wonderful natural sights. There are streams, waterfalls cascading over rocks producing spectral mists, ferns, shrubs and trees, a fantastic mountain overlook, caves filled with astounding formations and a large diversity of wildlife including black bear, deer, mammals and wild turkey within the 24,000 acres of Parkland. There are several dozen limestone caves that have been found, the most popular being Gap Cave where Cleopatra's Pool is located. The rocky outcroppings in the Park outline the geologic timeline of the region.
Hensley Settlement is a historic group of structures that are being preserved as part of the Park's resources. This slice of history is a place that allows visitor's to view the farms that emerged during the first years of the 1900s and occupied the region for over forty years.
The Visitor Center is open throughout the year; however the road to the majestic panoramic views at Pinnacle Overlook occasionally closes due to snow and ice. The Pioneer Playhouse provides "dressing-up" in old style clothes; also some of the museum exhibits are interactive. The Center also offers two films and showcases Cumberland Crafts. At the Daniel Boone Visitor Information Center there is a pavilion outside and this is also where the trailhead for Wilderness Road is located. The Boone Trail provides access to the Campground and also has a short mountain bike trail. Check the "Rails to Trails" programs for other biking opportunities, as the preponderance of the eighty-five miles of trails are for hiking and backpacking, with seven miles for biking and some areas for horseback riding; these trails also lead to many historic sites, cabins and remnants of fortified Civil War sites.