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  1. #1

    Default Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Hike

    Hey guys I just got back from a two day hike in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and it was absolutely amazing! My mom and I went up the Ewing Trail to White Rocks (3300ish elevation), then to Sand Cave and along to ridge trail to Martin's Fork where we slept the night. After being pounded by thunderstorms we hiked the 12 miles out to the Pinnacle and even got snowed on a little near Hensley Settlement (3400 ft). Normally I wouldn't post about this but I was wondering if anyone else had any experience here, because I've haven't seen anything from anyone else about it. Seems pretty underrated to me. BTW the incredibly nice stray dog in the picture found us near Martin's Fork campsite and followed us all the way to the Pinnacle. We dropped him off at park headquarters where they have a kennel for lost dogs. Hopefully they found his owner. 6tag_070417-143150.jpgWP_20170405_10_51_35_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_10_53_43_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_10_53_45_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_10_53_51_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_10_54_05_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_12_03_01_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_12_03_26_Pro.jpgWP_20170405_12_29_40_Pro (2).jpgWP_20170405_12_29_52_Pro.jpg

  2. #2

    Default

    Nice dry looking rock shelter.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    08-07-2003
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    Nashville, Tennessee
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    Wife and I were up there earlier this year. Honestly, did not even know it was a National Park till then. Agreed, great place! I hiked the Cumberland Trail segment there.
    [I]ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: ... Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit....[/I]. Numbers 35

    [url]www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker[/url]

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  4. #4

    Default

    Congratulations! You discovered one of the best kept secrets of the southeast. I lived in Middlesboro, KY and Cumberland Gap, TN before they built the tunnel and still have family in the area. Great place for hiking, trail running and bicycling! We use to call it "our park" because you'd see no one on the trails, especially during the week. You have inspired me to plan a trip there soon.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    12-23-2011
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    The Town at the End of the Road
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    This is on the Great Eastern Trail route, which I SOBO'd last year. I reached the ridge via Hensley Settlement Rd., reserve-camped at Martin's Fork, toured Hensley Settlement, hiked through the park to Pinnacle Overlook, then headed off the ridge and walked through the restored historic Cumberland Gap. I was **completely** blown away. Definitely one of the gems of that area of the Appalachians!!! Rich history, amazing views.
    Last edited by kf1wv; 05-31-2017 at 16:52.

  6. #6
    Registered User
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    06-25-2012
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    Lurkerville, East Tn
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    I've been to the Sand Cave! A good friend lives a little south of there. Cool place!

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    04-04-2011
    Location
    Asheville, NC
    Age
    57
    Posts
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    I've got a few days in mid-October. I'll be picking up the Trails Illustrated map tomorrow which I assume is what you want and I'll be trying to put together two or three night trip. What ya got for a loop hike, out and back, or point to point if I can get a shuttle. I'll be looking to bookend two shortish days (5-10 miles) with one or two medium days (10-15 miles). Water, wildlife, and general heads up info also appreciated, and I'd like to hear book suggestions about the area.

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