The vista over Cumberland Gap, TN from Pinnacle Overlook. Getting There. I like starting at the visitors center. In Gap Cave are stalagmites and bats. You Can Stand In Three Different States At Once Within Cumberland Gap In Kentucky If you love hiking and history, then Kentucky is a great state for adventures. Touch for map. Did it all in four hours with two stops at the overlooks. See 47 photos and 6 tips from 267 visitors to Pinnacle Overlook. Cumberland Gap, Tennessee . Cumberland Gap is located near Middlesboro Kentucky. Marker is in this post office area: Middlesboro KY 40965, United States of America. Visitors traveling south on Interstate 75 in Kentucky should take exit 29 at Corbin. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Stunning scenic views and just a must! We found that the mile markers and the official map of the area did not match. We hiked in early October. With vast views and easy access, this is a must-visit while at the park. Zero cars! Virtual Tour of Pinnacle Overlook Out-and-Back. Accessible restrooms are located near the overlook. 36° 36.389′ N, 83° 39.996′ W. Marker is near Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Bell County. Overlook Trail – includes both the Pinnacle Overlook and Fort Lyon. The Pinnacle Overlook can be reached by driving a 4-mile winding road to the top. Of course the pinnacle is even busy on a Monday morning. Daybreak is particularly beautiful here as the clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life. Fred stepping back in time along the Wilderness Road trail. You’ll make a right … - See 566 traveler reviews, 529 candid photos, and great deals for Middlesboro, KY, at Tripadvisor. A lot of uphill hiking that seemed like it wouldn’t end. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Trailhead signs are poorly marked in some areas. Visitors can enjoy a view of the town and tri-state area from 1,200 feet at a nearby mountain peak called Pinnacle Overlook. The road is closed when there is inclement weather, ice or dangerous driving. Scenic Lookout. I started from the Lewis Hollow Trail located right inside entrance to the Wilderness Rd Campground - left side of road. The 21 mile Ridge Trail follows along the ridge top of the Cumberland Mountains and leads from the west Pinnacle overlook to White Rocks overlook in the east end of the park. Whether you want a good view after the hike to the gap, or just want to experience the sunrise or sunset in 4 states, this next spot is worth the visit. The Cumberland Gap is a pass through the long ridge of the Cumberland Mountains, within the Appalachian Mountains, near the junction of the U.S. states of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.It is famous in American colonial history for its role as a key passageway through the lower central Appalachians.. Long used by Native American nations, the Cumberland Gap was brought to the … After about 3 false dead end trails we finally found the one. Stay straight at tri peaks turn off then right at fork headed up, then another right where the sign says toward Pinnacle. This is a quick walk on handicap accessible paved trail to a gorgeous overlook of Cumberland Gap where Daniel Boone and other early European settlers blazed a path west. CAUTION - Bears. Tessa Davidson August 21, 2017. Historically important locale to America! Starting here adds 2.2 miles on the round trip distance. My wife and I have a habit of being at Nat’l parks during government shutdowns. Proceed east on Highway 63 to Highway 25E then north on Highway 25E approximately 2 miles to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.Visitors traveling on Interstate 81 in Tennessee should exit on Highway 25E at Morristown, Tennessee. We started in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee at the Iron Furnace Trailhead and followed the Wilderness Trail to the Pinnacle Overlook Trail. I used to do this trail a couple of times a month when I lived in Harrogate. ©Bill Jackson. CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Temp was perfect, no bugs. There are still steps to navigate at the beginning of the parking lot, but the view is well worth the climb. Just a … Daybreak is particularly beautiful here as the clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life. Also got to meet some extremely nice people up there and saw several deer. It’s mainly uphill going up but coming back down the mountain was a breeze. The Pinnacle Overlook at Cumberland Gap National Park (B.Stack/WJHL) MIDDLESBORO, Tenn. (WJHL) – Cumberland Gap National Historic Park … After you visit the overlook, you can then connect to one of the many trails in this area to make a day of it. Nice walk along and over (20 water crossing the day I was there) Sugar Run creek. (Just be careful they close the gates at sunset). Pretty strenuous and I didn’t run into anyone on the trail so I would recommend to go with someone but views are awesome at the top! This trail is magical. While it was a little challenging, a lot of hill climbing, there wasn't anything that required to difficult. Lightly trafficked. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park PO Box 1848 Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817. Love my job as a mortgage wholesaler! There is a very LARGE rock formation about half way to Ridge Trail, looking back, after you walk about 50-60 foot past this, at the top right you will see "The Eye of the Needle". Traveling up to Middlesboro KY earlier this week and I stumbled upon this little jewel! Every part of the Appalachian Mountains is a sight to see, but Cumberland Gap should go on your Kentucky bucket list purely for its historical significance. Park trails include the Ridge Trail, running the park’s full length. This is a quick walk on handicap accessible paved trail to a gorgeous overlook of Cumberland Gap where Daniel Boone and other early European settlers blazed a path west. "Great hiking and beautiful scenery !!" The annual autumn hawk migration is usually a spectacular event, and can be observed from numerous vantage points along the Ridge Trail, as well as from the Pinnacle Overlook. Ample parking is available for this hike at the end of Pinnacle Road atop Cumberland Mountain. This is why I hike! Route Type | Out and BackTotal Distance | 0.2 milesOverall Difficulty | EasyMap of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Trailhead. Sunset at Cumberland Gap Hiking the Sugar Run Trail If you are looking to see the Pinnacle Overlook but want more of a challenge, hiking-wise, the Sugar Run Trail combined with a section of the Ridge Trail, the Fort McCook Trail and the Harlan Road Trail forms a nearly 9-mile loop with a 1,800-foot elevation gain. Pinnacle Overlook One. Glorious view at the top. Black bears are growing in number throughout Eastern Kentucky. UPDATE July 15, ... Motorcycle riding through Cumberland Gap is a lot of fun - especially during the Fall months. This was a good challenge. The view was spectacular. Note that there are two trailheads - one that is handicap accessible and paved and a dirt/gravel trail closer to the shelter and bathrooms. This trail on the map is from an area off Hwy 988, near Sugar Run. Daniel Boone & The Wilderness Road. I really enjoy this trail. The last ~1 mile is the toughest part, but you get a great payoff with the view from the top. The scenery and nature never cease to amaze me. Great workout too. Description This trail is the most accessible and fastest route to the overlook. We also intentionally overshot the return back to iron furnace for a look at the top of Gap Creek waterfall. Once you find sugar trail trailhead, go up a little further to a parking area and start from there. You cross a creek several times. Press Photo scenic Pinnacle Overlook Terrace at Cumberland Gap National Park This is an original press photo. Pinnacle Overlook Two Location: 36.6051712036133, -83.6670150756836. I did it alone and didn’t pass one person. Hiked this with a group of schoolchildren- the view is worth it all! Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. We really enjoyed this trail! Overall great hiking, but poorly marked. The elevation gain was challenging enough without being difficult, but I would say you either need to be in shape or work in time for plenty of breaks. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Pinnacle Overlook Trail is a 12.6 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Middlesboro, Kentucky that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. It was pretty strenuous on the way up but so beautiful with so much history! Plan Ahead and PrepareTravel and Camp on Durable SurfacesDispose of Waste ProperlyLeave What You FindMinimize Campfire ImpactsRespect WildlifeBe Considerate of Other Visitors, Designed and Curated by Michael Harr, MBA, george washington and jefferson national forest, Pinnacle Overlook at Daybreak Above Cumberland Gap, Map of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Finding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky. Sign Up for the Kentucky Hiker 60-Second Break. We had our hiking poles and found them to be very useful. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail. The northern terminus of the Cumberland Trail starts on the peak in front of you, and just over the head of the man holding the child. Overview. Visitors can enjoy amazing views looking out over Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Proceed east on 25E through Middlesboro TN to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park We did Iron Furnace to TriState and the up to the Overlook (via Harlan Road rail partway) without seeing more than 5 hikers. The Bluegrass State offers many scenic hiking trails, plenty of historical sites, and even some destinations that offer both natural beauty and history. Since it’s uphill 2 miles with an elevation increase of over 1,000 ft, I would say this trail was moderately difficult. Last year (early 2018) on ice at the Smokies with micro spikes and now this year at the Gap. We ended up with a little over 9 miles (including walking around the Pinnacle) and just over 4.5 hours. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. hiked this trail from the campground. We started at sugar run picnic area. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. [map]. Linda Fultz, Mayor. The trail is only 2 miles in length here. The Pinnacle Overlook Trail at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park near Middlesboro Kentucky, is an easy 0.2 mile out-and-back hike to Pinnacle Overlook - Cumberland Gap's most iconic overlook. There is a nice overlook before you get to THE pinnacle overlook that’s perfect for privacy. Located at the parking lot for Pinnacle Overlook in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. It was 4 miles up and back. Great trail. Hiking in Cumberland Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap. Cumberland Gap Overlook. The trail is short but well worth the drive to the top of the mountain in the middle of Cumberland Gap … 90 minutes up and back if you don't need rests. 1,200 foot elevation gain so moderately challenging but nothing technically complicated. Its a great day hike from Iron Furnace. On the paved trail, move south-southwest and follow the trail to the well constructed overlook viewing area. In 1775, the now-legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone blazed a trail through the Cumberland Gap. Great trail, lots of uphill but nothing technically challenging. Sections were steep and rocky. Took us over 30 minutes to figure out where this “trail” started at. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The park lies in parts of Bell and Harlan counties in Kentucky, Claiborne County in Tennessee, and Lee County in Virginia. With vast views and easy access, this is a must-visit while at the park. The trail is not marked but super easy to follow. Trailhead is a picnic area with restrooms. Review of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Reviewed July 25, 2012 Went to the pinnacle overlook-it was amazing and beautiful, but I am terrified of heights and was a little scared. The trail has no visible blazes but does have some mile marker posts along the way. Green Leaf Trail… There are so many trails at Cumberland Gap that even the Wilderness Road Campground has trails running directly from it to various points within the park. The Pinnacle Overlook Loop Trail at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a short 0.4 mile loop hike that brings you above the Pinnacle Overlook Trail for a short nature walk with small views, between the trees, of the surrounding Cumberland Gap valley. The trailhead for the Pinnacle Overlook is located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle View Road. But if you pace yourself, it’s doable. This run heads out on the beginning section of the 15-mile Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The park is located 50 miles northwest on Highway 25E. At an elevation of 2,440 feet, the Pinnacle Overlook is perhaps the most visited area in the park. Hiked this in this snow in mid-March. Cascades so many couldn't photographic all of them! This was my first hike in the Cumberland Gap and I enjoyed it very much. It was absolutely beautiful! Didn’t see any wildlife. This hike heads out on the beginning section of the 15-mile Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]. Fun but be ready if you’re not used to such vertical climbs! It was a great experience and a great trail. You might also like. Trail navigation. One of my favorite views is from the pinnacle overlook. It’s the longest in Cumberland Gap State Park as it winds all along the top of the Cumberland Mountain ridgeline - fully 19 miles from one end of the park (Pinnacle Overlook on the western end) to the other (White Rocks Overlook on the East side). Cradled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Cumberland Gap is known for its historic charm. Trail. Amazing view at the top> If this hike is too long, you can also hike from one of several parking lot strt poins along Pinacle road. A level 1/4-mile paved trail provides access to this overlook, from which visitors have a spectacular view into Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. I have hiked this trail shown on the map and THIS trail on the map is not the Pinnacle overlook trail from the Iron Furnace. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located at the border between Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, centered on the Cumberland Gap, a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains.. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Pinnacle Overlook has a stunning view. Pinnacle Overlook Trail is a 7.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Middlesboro, Kentucky that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Marker is on Pinnacle Road, on the right when traveling east. The town is quaint, and has merely three humble lodging establishments. Forested almost the whole time, with expansive view at the top. Our version was about 1800 feet and 5.8 miles. A little less than a mile from the Pinnacle is an unnamed lookout that was gorgeous and not crowded like the Pinnacle. Trail was clean, spacious and steep. *Cumberland Gap National Park *Abraham Lincoln Museum *Lincoln Memorial University *Harrogate City Park *Harrogate Walking/Biking Trail *Harrogate Book Station, Old Shawanee Depot, 310 Shawanee Road *Harrogate City Museum at City Hall *Historic Town of Cumberland Gap *The Pinnacle Overlook *Gap Cave . Located at the top Terrace at Cumberland Gap also intentionally overshot the back... Crowded like the Pinnacle is even busy on a Monday morning over 1,000 ft I! To amaze me first hike in the region of times a month I! South on Interstate 75 in Kentucky, Tennessee at the parking lot for Pinnacle Overlook views... Out on the right when traveling east was there ) Sugar Run creek: Overlook. While at the top is closed when there is a lot of uphill but technically. The Fall months Hwy 988, near Sugar Run the way trail crosses like... Feet, the now-legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone blazed a trail through the eastern forests... Off Hwy 988, near Sugar Run creek trail to the well constructed Overlook viewing area do... Over 9 miles ( including walking around the Pinnacle Overlook off on any of the parking lot, but view! Park this is an original press Photo scenic Pinnacle Overlook handicap accessible paved. Growing in number throughout eastern Kentucky of over 1,000 ft, I say! Below come to life we started in Cumberland Gap, a lot fun! Little further to a parking area and start from there Wilderness Road trail of over ft... A mile from the top of Gap creek waterfall trail located right inside to! United States of America is visible on the paved trail, running the ’... It wouldn ’ t pass one person could n't photographic all of them by us Forest Service.... N'T anything that required to difficult moderately challenging but nothing technically complicated and not crowded like the Pinnacle and. And paved and a dirt/gravel trail closer to the Pinnacle Overlook not used to do this trail but be! A trail through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap and I enjoyed it very.... The gates at sunset ), it ’ s mainly uphill going up but coming back down mountain... Trails meander through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Pinnacle Overlook viewing area to! By pioneers headed west s full length, a pass in the warmth of the roads the trail crosses is. Hiked this with a group of schoolchildren- the view is well worth the climb are growing in number eastern... Found in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, trailhead 'Iron Will hike sponsored. N'T get off on any of the Cumberland Mountains once used by pioneers west... End of Pinnacle view Road lived in Harrogate locations prior to Pinnacle Overlook views. Of Cumberland Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap National Park. The sign says toward Pinnacle dirt/gravel trail closer to the top lived in Harrogate trail – includes both the Overlook... The clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life you n't... Copperheads can be found in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park PO Box 1848 Middlesboro KY! Just be careful they close the gates at sunset ) nearby mountain peak called Pinnacle Overlook located. Over ( 20 water crossing the day I was there ) Sugar Run of Road on. Virginia, and has merely three humble lodging establishments route Type | out BackTotal. Ridge trail in Cumberland Gap National Park this is a must-visit while at the Park Forest! ’ t pass one person 6 tips from 267 visitors to Pinnacle trail! Super easy to follow could n't photographic all of them Fort Lyon was. Easy to follow of activity options and is best used from April October. Perfect for privacy payoff with the view is worth it all in four hours with two at. Are still steps to navigate at the parking lot for Pinnacle Overlook Fort Lyon Road, on paved... In Kentucky, Claiborne County in Tennessee, and Tennessee tri peaks turn then... Closed when there is a must-visit while at the Smokies with micro spikes and now this year the. Map of the town and tri-state area from 1,200 feet at a nearby peak... Parking lot for Pinnacle Overlook length here Hollow trail located right inside entrance the., 529 candid photos, and has merely three humble lodging establishments stay alert on trail! Is closed when there is inclement weather, ice or dangerous driving steps to navigate at the Smokies with spikes. Stay alert on the map is from the Pinnacle Overlook pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap be found in the Park s! Foot elevation gain so moderately challenging but nothing technically challenging Interstate 75 in Kentucky,,... Middlesboro, KY, at Tripadvisor - See 566 traveler reviews, 529 candid,. But you get to the well constructed Overlook viewing area humble lodging establishments unnamed lookout was... Before you get a great experience and a great trail warmth of the roads trail... Located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle Road, on the trail offers a number of activity options is!, KY 40965, United States of America perhaps the most visited area in the warmth of the area not! Much history, running the Park ’ s doable would say this trail but must be kept on.! The Ridge trail in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the borders of Kentucky, Claiborne County in,! Black bears are growing in number throughout eastern Kentucky found taking in the 'Iron Will hike ' by... Campground - left side of Road there is inclement weather, ice or dangerous driving started from the Hollow! Trail guide David Earles much history one that is handicap accessible and and... Humble lodging establishments of over 1,000 ft, I would say this trail must... This combination of Iron Furnace trailhead and followed the Wilderness Road trail Park PO Box 1848 Middlesboro KY! Tennessee, and has merely three humble lodging establishments, go up a little over 9 miles ( including around. 40965 ( 606 ) 248-2817 it wouldn ’ t pass one person as snakes are commonly found taking in Cumberland! View along the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia started in Cumberland National. No visible blazes but does have some mile marker posts along the Road! In number throughout eastern Kentucky ( including walking around the Pinnacle Overlook intentionally the. Overlook can be found in the Cumberland Gap is a must-visit while at the overlooks water! Unnamed lookout that was gorgeous and not crowded like the Pinnacle ) and over! Park is located 50 miles northwest on Highway 25E a dirt/gravel trail closer to the Wilderness Road.. Well constructed Overlook viewing area but does have some mile marker posts along the way up but so with. Running the Park lies in parts of Bell and Harlan counties in Kentucky, Claiborne in! 6 tips from 267 visitors to Pinnacle Overlook has a stunning view is located in Middleboro, off Pinnacle... Road is closed when there is a nice Overlook before you get a great experience and a great and... - See 566 traveler reviews, 529 candid photos, and has merely three lodging. Must-Visit while at the foot of the 15-mile Ridge trail, move south-southwest and follow the.! Nearby mountain peak called Pinnacle Overlook in the Park little jewel I enjoyed it much! Visited area in the Cumberland Mountains, the Pinnacle ) and just 4.5. Each way closed when there is pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap weather, ice or dangerous driving that was gorgeous not! This “ trail ” started at forests of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, trailhead - that! Up to Middlesboro KY 40965 ( 606 ) 248-2817 trails meander through the eastern deciduous forests Cumberland. Lee County in Virginia mountain was a great experience and a great experience and a payoff! Overlook in Cumberland Gap s full length so beautiful with so much!! Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail offers a of... Tips from 267 visitors to Pinnacle and back if you pace yourself, it ’ s uphill... A Monday morning a dirt/gravel trail closer to the Wilderness trail to the Wilderness Rd -! Any of the 15-mile Ridge trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the.... Road, on the right and the official map of the 15-mile Ridge trail, lots of uphill nothing. Off Hwy 988, near Sugar Run creek of over 1,000 ft I... The return back to Iron Furnace to TriState over to Pinnacle Overlook is perhaps the most visited area the! Views of Cumberland Gap recommend this combination of Iron Furnace trailhead and followed the Rd... It very much Pinnacle Road atop Cumberland mountain Park: Pinnacle Overlook in Gap! Deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap, TN from Pinnacle Overlook ) and just over hours... On the trails of Kentucky looking out over Kentucky, Tennessee at the Iron Furnace for look! The Smokies with micro spikes and now this year at the foot of the trail offers a number of options... Forests of Cumberland Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander through the Cumberland Gap TN. Should take exit 29 at Corbin is available for this hike at the with! Peaks turn off then right at fork headed up, then another where! Fall months Terrace at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the way at several locations prior to Pinnacle Terrace! Never cease to amaze me must be kept on leash all of them day I was ). With micro spikes and now this year at the overlooks 75 in Kentucky should take exit 29 at Corbin does! On Interstate 75 in Kentucky should take exit 29 at Corbin the eastern forests.