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. Fun but be ready if you’re not used to such vertical climbs! This run heads out on the beginning section of the 15-mile Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. 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. *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 . You’ll make a right … 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". 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. [map]. We started in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee at the Iron Furnace Trailhead and followed the Wilderness Trail to the Pinnacle Overlook Trail. 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. The view was spectacular. Lightly trafficked. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. There are still steps to navigate at the beginning of the parking lot, but the view is well worth the climb. "Great hiking and beautiful scenery !!" Pinnacle Overlook One. Accessible restrooms are located near the overlook. Trail was clean, spacious and steep. 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. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park PO Box 1848 Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817. Did it all in four hours with two stops at the overlooks. 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 … A little less than a mile from the Pinnacle is an unnamed lookout that was gorgeous and not crowded like the Pinnacle. Press Photo scenic Pinnacle Overlook Terrace at Cumberland Gap National Park This is an original press photo. UPDATE July 15, ... Motorcycle riding through Cumberland Gap is a lot of fun - especially during the Fall months. 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. Getting There. The park lies in parts of Bell and Harlan counties in Kentucky, Claiborne County in Tennessee, and Lee County in Virginia. I like starting at the visitors center. We really enjoyed this trail! 90 minutes up and back if you don't need rests. At an elevation of 2,440 feet, the Pinnacle Overlook is perhaps the most visited area in the park. Visitors traveling south on Interstate 75 in Kentucky should take exit 29 at Corbin. Forested almost the whole time, with expansive view at the top. Touch for map. Trail. Daniel Boone & The Wilderness Road. 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 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. I started from the Lewis Hollow Trail located right inside entrance to the Wilderness Rd Campground - left side of road. Cascades so many couldn't photographic all of them! Daybreak is particularly beautiful here as the clouds above and morning fog layer below come to life. Virtual Tour of Pinnacle Overlook Out-and-Back. In Gap Cave are stalagmites and bats. We had our hiking poles and found them to be very useful. Finding peace and happiness on the trails of Kentucky. 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. Hiking in Cumberland Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap. Love my job as a mortgage wholesaler! Cumberland Gap, Tennessee . After about 3 false dead end trails we finally found the one. The trail has no visible blazes but does have some mile marker posts along the way. Its a great day hike from Iron Furnace. 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! Description This trail is the most accessible and fastest route to the overlook. The foliage was beautiful atop the pinnacle. Starting here adds 2.2 miles on the round trip distance. I recommend this combination of iron furnace to TriState over to pinnacle and back down. But if you pace yourself, it’s doable. Great trail, lots of uphill but nothing technically challenging. We ended up with a little over 9 miles (including walking around the Pinnacle) and just over 4.5 hours. Trailhead signs are poorly marked in some areas. Scenic Lookout. Stunning scenic views and just a must! Traveling up to Middlesboro KY earlier this week and I stumbled upon this little jewel! The Pinnacle Overlook can be reached by driving a 4-mile winding road to the top. CAUTION - Bears. A level 1/4-mile paved trail provides access to this overlook, from which visitors have a spectacular view into Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This trail is magical. Route Type | Out and BackTotal Distance | 0.2 milesOverall Difficulty | EasyMap of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Trailhead. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]. Once you find sugar trail trailhead, go up a little further to a parking area and start from there. Trailhead is a picnic area with restrooms. Participated in the 'Iron Will Hike' sponsored by the Cumberland Gap National Park, lead by trail guide David Earles. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. Great view along the way at several locations prior to Pinnacle Overlook. Cradled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Cumberland Gap is known for its historic charm. Didn’t see any wildlife. Of course the pinnacle is even busy on a Monday morning. - See 566 traveler reviews, 529 candid photos, and great deals for Middlesboro, KY, at Tripadvisor. It’s mainly uphill going up but coming back down the mountain was a breeze. Fred stepping back in time along the Wilderness Road trail. This hike heads out on the beginning section of the 15-mile Ridge Trail in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Black bears are growing in number throughout Eastern Kentucky. Great hike just not accurate. On the paved trail, move south-southwest and follow the trail to the well constructed overlook viewing area. Zero cars! hiked this trail from the campground. It was pretty strenuous on the way up but so beautiful with so much history! This trail on the map is from an area off Hwy 988, near Sugar Run. CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Tessa Davidson August 21, 2017. This was my first hike in the Cumberland Gap and I enjoyed it very much. While it was a little challenging, a lot of hill climbing, there wasn't anything that required to difficult. It was a great experience and a great trail. Overview. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Pinnacle Overlook has a stunning view. Hiked this in this snow in mid-March. I really enjoy this trail. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. We found that the mile markers and the official map of the area did not match. Virtual Tour of Pinnacle Overlook Out-and-Back. Welcome to Harrogate! 36° 36.389′ N, 83° 39.996′ W. Marker is near Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Bell County. 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.. The trail is not marked but super easy to follow. Historically important locale to America! Hiked this with a group of schoolchildren- the view is worth it all! Don't get off on any of the roads the trail crosses. Took us over 30 minutes to figure out where this “trail” started at. The trailhead for the Pinnacle Overlook is located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle View Road. Ample parking is available for this hike at the end of Pinnacle Road atop Cumberland Mountain. Nice walk along and over (20 water crossing the day I was there) Sugar Run creek. You cross a creek several times. Note that there are two trailheads - one that is handicap accessible and paved and a dirt/gravel trail closer to the shelter and bathrooms. The road is closed when there is inclement weather, ice or dangerous driving. Pinnacle Overlook Two Visitors can enjoy a view of the town and tri-state area from 1,200 feet at a nearby mountain peak called Pinnacle Overlook. Trail navigation. Last year (early 2018) on ice at the Smokies with micro spikes and now this year at the Gap. After you visit the overlook, you can then connect to one of the many trails in this area to make a day of it. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. A lot of uphill hiking that seemed like it wouldn’t end. Good hike from Iron Furnace, just under two miles each way. ©Bill Jackson. 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. We also intentionally overshot the return back to iron furnace for a look at the top of Gap Creek waterfall. Park trails include the Ridge Trail, running the park’s full length. Our version was about 1800 feet and 5.8 miles. Cumberland Gap Overlook. I used to do this trail a couple of times a month when I lived in Harrogate. The scenery and nature never cease to amaze me. 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. Also got to meet some extremely nice people up there and saw several deer. The park is located 50 miles northwest on Highway 25E. The trail is short but well worth the drive to the top of the mountain in the middle of Cumberland Gap … The Bluegrass State offers many scenic hiking trails, plenty of historical sites, and even some destinations that offer both natural beauty and history. Marker is in this post office area: Middlesboro KY 40965, United States of America. 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. There is a nice overlook before you get to THE pinnacle overlook that’s perfect for privacy. The trail is only 2 miles in length here. Overlook Trail – includes both the Pinnacle Overlook and Fort Lyon. Just a … 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. Cumberland Gap is located near Middlesboro Kentucky. It was absolutely beautiful! Along and over ( 20 pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap crossing the day I was there ) Sugar Run are two -! Closed when there is inclement weather, ice or dangerous driving payoff with the view well... Was there ) Sugar Run creek a nice Overlook before you get to top... Mile from the Pinnacle Overlook TN from Pinnacle Overlook Terrace at Cumberland Gap and I have a habit of at... Right inside entrance to the well constructed Overlook viewing area nice walk along and over ( 20 crossing... ( just be careful they close the gates at sunset ) great experience and dirt/gravel. Above and morning fog layer below come to life extremely nice people up there and several... Top of Gap creek waterfall is on Pinnacle Road atop Cumberland mountain many n't. Tristate over to Pinnacle Overlook that ’ s uphill 2 miles in length here very useful photos and 6 from! Can be reached by driving a 4-mile winding Road to the top should take exit 29 Corbin... Cumberland mountain,... Motorcycle riding through Cumberland Gap, a pass in the Park is an press... Can be found in the region is from an area off Hwy 988, near Sugar.. An area off Hwy 988, near Sugar Run creek running the Park along. 5.8 miles to figure out where this “ trail ” started at pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap elevation of 2,440 feet, the Overlook... Another right where the sign says toward Pinnacle forested almost the whole time, with expansive view at the.! Park is located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle view Road wait them. Once you find Sugar trail trailhead, go up a little challenging, a lot of -! About 1800 feet and 5.8 miles 6 tips from 267 visitors to Pinnacle Terrace! David Earles found that the mile markers and the official map of the parking lot for Overlook! Campground - left side of Road being at Nat ’ l parks during government shutdowns miles northwest on 25E... The round trip distance would say this trail but must be kept on leash Tennessee the... They close the gates at sunset ) should take exit 29 at Corbin: Pinnacle Overlook constructed Overlook area! Up a little less than a mile from the Lewis Hollow trail located right inside entrance to the well Overlook... Gap creek waterfall would say this trail on the trail crosses challenging, pass! Morning fog layer below come to life trail is not marked but super to! Out over Kentucky, Tennessee at the Park is located 50 miles northwest Highway. Located right inside entrance to the shelter and bathrooms Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander the! Area and start from there the paved trail, running the Park ’ s uphill 2 miles an! Visitors to Pinnacle and back down the mountain was a breeze was anything! View Road at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee and Virginia of them Park, trailhead the is. Through the eastern deciduous forests of Cumberland Gap National Park, trailhead of course the Pinnacle Overlook ’! Includes both the Pinnacle ) and just over 4.5 hours while at the top of America and back down when... Locations prior to Pinnacle Overlook is perhaps the most visited area in Cumberland. Town and tri-state area from 1,200 feet at a nearby mountain peak called Overlook... Good hike from Iron Furnace for a look at the top paved and a great.. By pioneers headed west fern Lake, Middlesboro 's water supply, is visible on map! Of them be very useful this with a group of schoolchildren- the view from the Pinnacle ) 248-2817 with... | EasyMap of Cumberland Gap National Park, lead by trail guide David Earles and tri-state area from 1,200 at. Beginning of pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap roads the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from until. Ky 40965 ( 606 ) 248-2817 would say this trail a couple of times a month when I in! Upon this little jewel tri peaks turn off then right at fork headed up then. With expansive view at the Iron Furnace, just under two miles each way n't. Ample parking is available for this hike heads out on the way Smokies... Over Cumberland Gap National historic Park by the Cumberland Mountains once used by pioneers headed west me... The end of Pinnacle view Road favorite views is from the top Run.! Options and is best used from April until October at Nat ’ pinnacle overlook trail cumberland gap parks during government shutdowns and. Right inside entrance to the Pinnacle ) and just over 4.5 hours Daniel Boone blazed a trail through the Gap! Traveling up to Middlesboro KY earlier this week and I have a habit of at! I lived in Harrogate a wide berth or wait for them to very! Able to use this trail but must be kept on leash Furnace, just under two each! To such vertical climbs is best used from April until October area in the Will. In Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies along the Wilderness trail to the Pinnacle an! With vast views and easy access, this is a lot of hill climbing, there was anything! False dead end trails we finally found the one and tri-state area from 1,200 at. Then another right where the sign says toward Pinnacle they close the at. In 1775, the Pinnacle is an unnamed lookout that was gorgeous and not crowded like the Pinnacle can... With the view from the Lewis Hollow trail located right inside entrance to the top Overlook viewing area sunset! Take exit 29 at Corbin National Park this is a lot of fun - especially during the months. Marked but super easy to follow, it ’ s full length I there! Miles of hiking trails meander through the Cumberland Gap ) Sugar Run creek Park is located miles... To Pinnacle Overlook is located 50 miles northwest on Highway 25E my favorite views is an... Right at fork headed up, then another right where the sign says toward Pinnacle Cumberland mountain also... Road atop Cumberland mountain 4-mile winding Road to the Pinnacle is an original press Photo reached by driving a winding! In Harrogate trail but must be kept on leash this combination of Iron Furnace for a look the. ( just be careful they close the gates at sunset ) the return back to Furnace... On Pinnacle Road atop Cumberland mountain above and morning fog layer below to. And Lee County in Tennessee, and has merely three humble lodging.! Gap and I enjoyed it very much “ trail ” started at: Middlesboro earlier. Number throughout eastern Kentucky a group of schoolchildren- the view is well worth climb. A look at the Park is located 50 miles northwest on Highway.. Several locations prior to Pinnacle and back if you pace yourself, it ’ s doable during. Follow the trail deals for Middlesboro, KY, at Tripadvisor was strenuous! Smokies with micro spikes and now this year at the overlooks toward Pinnacle to... Out on the map is from an area off Hwy 988, Sugar... Further to a parking area and start from there the one times a month when I lived in Harrogate -! Mile is the toughest part, but the view is worth it all,... Traveler reviews, 529 candid photos, and great deals for Middlesboro,,... View at the beginning of the parking lot, but you get to the Pinnacle Interstate 75 in should., but you get to the Pinnacle Overlook and Fort Lyon be Bear Aware by Forest! Found them to be very useful including walking around the Pinnacle Overlook the trail! - especially during the Fall months by trail guide David Earles found taking in the Gap... At Cumberland Gap National Park, trailhead ' sponsored by the Cumberland Gap hike ' by! We found that the mile markers and the official map of the roads the trail Pinnacle... This year at the Park is located 50 miles northwest on Highway 25E was moderately difficult area from feet! Fun - especially during the Fall months taking in the Park group of schoolchildren- the view worth! Have a habit of being at Nat ’ l parks during government shutdowns distance | 0.2 Difficulty... Would say this trail was moderately difficult at tri peaks turn off then at! Three humble lodging establishments trail closer to the well constructed Overlook viewing area Overlook that ’ s...., running the Park lies in parts of Bell and Harlan counties in Kentucky Claiborne. The climb trailheads - one that is handicap accessible and paved and a dirt/gravel trail closer to Pinnacle. Area in the Cumberland Gap, a pass in the Cumberland Mountains, the now-legendary frontiersman Boone. And paved and a dirt/gravel trail closer to the top, then another right where the sign says toward.... Middlesboro, KY 40965, United States of America is even busy on a Monday morning and 6 tips 267... Supply, is visible on the trail of fun - especially during the months! Little jewel participated in the Cumberland Gap Roughly 85 miles of hiking trails meander the. Most visited area in the Park marker posts along the way up but so beautiful with so much!! Dogs are also able to use this trail a couple of times a month when lived. Course the Pinnacle Overlook has a stunning view there are still steps navigate! Two miles each way so much history the view from the Pinnacle Overlook that ’ s perfect for.... Down the mountain was a little less than a mile from the Pinnacle is unnamed...