NPS - National Park Service
10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 13:59
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Staff Continue to Assess Impacts from Hurricane Helene
News Release Date:
October 3, 2024
October 3, 2024
Contact:Lisa Baldwin
Contact:Jody Mays
MIDDLESBORO, Kentucky - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park staff and volunteers continue to assess conditions and address damage from Hurricane Helene. Initial efforts have been focused on park roads and front country camping facilities. Wilderness Road Campground and State Road 988/Sugar Run Road have been fully reopened. Pinnacle Overlook remains closed, with the road to the Pinnacle closed at the Thomas Walker parking area. Lewis Hollow Road and Picnic Area is also closed.
Park trail crews have cleared the following trails: Object Lesson Road, Wilderness Road, Tri-State, and Daniel Boone. Hiking on any other trail in the park is not recommended. Hundreds of trees have fallen on trails in the park, and additional trees are still at risk of falling. Trail washouts, damaged bridges, and other, unpredictable hazards are also likely. Park staff and resources are stretched thin and emergency response may be delayed. All horse trails and bike trails are closed. All backcountry campsites are closed.
"The safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors is our highest priority," said Superintendent Lisa Baldwin. "Thankfully, no one was injured in the park during the storm. We appreciate your patience and the support of our volunteers and partners as we work to safely restore access to this beautiful national park site over the coming weeks."
The park visitor center, Bartlett Park, and Civic Park are open. Gap Cave and Skylight Cave have closed for the winter as of September 30. Guided tours to Hensley Settlement are currently suspended due to access road conditions. For updates on conditions in the park, please check our Alerts & Conditions page.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park preserves the historic Cumberland Gap, a key point for crossing the Appalachians that became known as the First Gateway to the West. Located where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet, the park's 24,000 acres includes 85 miles of hiking trails, front and backcountry camping, a historic Appalachian settlement, cave and rock formations, and 14,000 acres of managed wilderness. The visitor center in Middlesboro, Kentucky, is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Entrance is free. For more information visit our website or Facebook page.
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