Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap

As the days slowly grow shorter and the heat of summer begins to fade in anticipation of autumn, the stories of the Wilderness Road at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will come alive in a special program conducted on the evening of August 25th.

Visitors participating in the program, a 1.5 mile walk through the historic Cumberland Gap, can expect to encounter a special cast of historical characters. A British prisoner of war from the Revolutionary War, a professor from the Harvard School of Geology camped near the gap, a family who left their home when the national park was established… historic figures which will bring the colorful history of the Cumberland Gap and the Wilderness Road to life. "The cast of characters is based on actual people that were here at Cumberland Gap," says park historian Martha Wiley, "They will showcase the various time periods. It's going to be a really special evening."

The program, a series of guided hikes, will take place along the historic Wilderness Road beginning at 5:00 pm and departing every 30 minutes. The program will begin at the Daniel Boone parking lot in Virginia and end at the Thomas Walker parking lot in Kentucky. Complimentary shuttles will be available. The program is free, but reservations are strongly recommended as each group is limited to 30 people.

Sturdy shoes are encouraged as the hike through the Gap is approximately 1.5 miles and is moderately strenuous.

For more information and to make reservations please call the park visitor center at (606) 248-2817, extension 1075.


Jeff
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park