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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park March 19-21, 2004 [ Home ] [ USA-International Travel ] [ Southeast Travel ] [ Favorite Sunsets ] [ Content ] Day 1-To Martin's Fork Day 2-To Gibson Gap Day 3-To the Pinnacle Photo Gallery Cumberland Gap Day Hike to Skylight Cave (April 4, 2004) The Ridge Trail
through Hensley Settlement In a south eastern corner of the country where Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia meet, a little visited treasure called the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park can be found. This long, narrow park covers 20,000 acres and preserves a piece of history dating back to prehistoric times. The gap is located in the Appalachian Mountains and has served as a natural pass through for wildlife, Indians and during the 1700's and 1800's, as route for commerce and migration to the west. Much of the Park's fascinating history can be found at the National Park's website, www.nps.gov/cuga. The park was authorized by Congress in 1940. John and I have had CGNHP on our hiking list for several years and were really excited to share the experience with friends. We spent 3 days backpacking the Ridge Trail and along the way exploring the many sites this trail has to offer including the White Rocks Overlook, Sand Cave, Hensley Settlement (photo left), Indian Rock, Table Rock and the Pinnacle. The Cumberland Gap Historical Park's Ridge Trail ranks among the top hikes that we have taken in this region. Our Cumberland Gap Backpack Mileage Log Friday, March 19, 2004
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Total Mileage Hiked- 20.5
Water Water is not readily available on the trail. We hiked during the spring when an abundance of showers resulted in swollen creeks and tributaries. Water can possibly be found at the locations noted below. We strongly advise checking with the rangers at the Visitors Center to determine the availability of water on the trail. 1. Sand Cave- fairly "sure" water. 2. Martin's Fork-50' behind the cabin, fairly "sure" water 3. Hensley Settlement-potable water pump. The pump is turned off during the winter and early spring until the chance of freezing has passed. 4. Gibson Gap-we found a small tributary on the left side of the trail (headed toward the Pinnacle), or right side if headed toward Hensley Settlement. The tributary is about a 5-6 minute walk from the campsite. This is iffy water and probably not available during the summer. 5. Lewis Hollow Trail-head down the trail toward the Wilderness Road Campground. The trail breaks left and right. Turn left (step over the log) and easy access to water is located behind the rhododendron bushes. If you take the right trail water and waterfalls are visible but not easily accessible. Not sure how the creek fairs during the summer months.
Campsites 1. White Rocks- 2. Martin Fork - On stream, wide open lawn area, highly used by Boy Scouts. 3. Chaldwell Gap-Located on the trail about .5-miles past Martin Fork. Must walk back to Martin Fork for water 4. Hensley- Horse Campsite, closest to Hensley Settlement and potable water. 5. Gibson Gap-Overused, average campsite.
Note: Entry to and backcountry camping in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is free. You are required to register your campsite choice(s) at the Visitor's Center before embarking on your backpack. The trip could be made into a one night, two day hike by entering the park via the Gibson Gap trail or Sugar Run trail or hiking one very long day and one short.
Day 1-To Martin's Fork Campsite
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