Tennessee
Vacation Destination
The Olde Church Event Center
The Olde Church is the premier wedding and event center in the Cumberland Gap region located at the boundaries of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. The event center specializes in weddings,
Norris Lake
Nearby Norris Lake can provide an ideal setting for recreation on the water. This beautiful lake is a popular reservoir in East Tennessee where the mountains meet the water. With
Nineteen19 Grill & Bar
For a great atmosphere, good food and drink, and a place to meet old and new friends, Nineteen19 Grill & Bar is the place in Cumberland Gap. Watch a game. Have a memorable dinner, or just gather for an end-of-day
Kayaking at Shelley Belle’s
What better way to experience the Appalachian Mountains than a relaxing kayak or tubing trip down a river? Shelly Belle’s, part of Rustic River Resort, offers two- and four-mile floats along the stunning Powell river. The water is easy to
Nestled at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park lies a true East Tennessee gem – the Historic Town of Cumberland Gap. When you pay a visit and witness its breathtaking beauty, immerse yourself in the charming hometown atmosphere, and meet the delightful people that call this place home, you’ll get the sense you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Offering so much more than first meets the eye, we invite you to come on by, stay for a spell, and take some time to “explore our more” and see for yourself what makes our little nook of the world so very special.
The town, named after the historic Cumberland Gap just above it, has a rich history rooted in its geographical significance. Initially used by Native Americans as a passage through the Appalachian Mountains, the gap gained prominence among settlers in the late 1700s, notably with Daniel Boone leading pioneers through it, earning it the moniker “Gateway to the West.” During the American Civil War, the area served as a strategic location, witnessing several engagements. Established as a postal town in 1803 and officially incorporated in 1907, the town experienced significant changes, including being bypassed by US 25E after the completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in 1996, rerouting traffic away from its central business district.
While we still embrace our rich history, Cumberland Gap is now known for everything from its specialty shops, assorted dining options, vast outdoor activities (including over 80 miles of picturesque hiking trails), overall tranquil pace of life, and so much more. The majority of our downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cumberland Gap Historic District, so you history buffs can enjoy fascinating historical facts to be learned at almost every turn.
Just within a three-block area of our downtown, there is a variety of attractions, quaint shops, restaurants, and inns. In addition to the natural, scenic beauty of the area, some popular local attractions include the Iron Furnace, the Bicycle Museum, and miles upon miles of walking trails, just to name a few reasons to pop by for a visit.
With so much to do, it may seem like too much for just one day. Lucky for you we have plenty of options for cozy places to stay the night, including Airbnbs, hotels, and even historic inns. Among several lodging choices available include the Hotel Cumberland Gap and the Olde Mill Bed and Breakfast. There is no shortage of truly charming choices at which to rest your head for the night so you can resume your exciting exploration of our town the next day.
Plan Your Visit Today!
The Town of Cumberland Gap is located approximately only an hour north of Knoxville at the tri-state border of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Our town is a magical place to consider spending the day, a weekend, or even longer.
For a unique getaway that is sure to please everyone in your party, plan your visit to the Historic Town of Cumberland Gap today. Here, you will experience the perfect mix of yesterday and today as you walk in the steps of your ancestors, recall the adventurous spirit of days gone by, and create endearing memories that will last long into the future.
The Town of Cumberland Gap has something for everyone. When you come for a visit, you’ll quickly see how easy it is to fall in love with the place we proudly call home.
