Cumberland Gap
Rustically Sophisticated Amenities in The Cabin
- Two-guest occupancy
- First-floor access with private entrance
- King sleigh bed
- Sitting area
- Stone fireplace
- Jetted tub for two
- Shower with seat
TAG LINE
The Historic Town of Cumberland Gap is a true East Tennessee gem. When you visit this quaint little town and witness its breathtaking beauty, immerse yourself in its charming hometown atmosphere, and meet the delightful people who call it home, you’re likely to fall in love. Offering so much more than what first meets the eye, we invite you to take some time to “explore our more” and see for yourself what makes Cumberland Gap so very special.
Cumberland Gap is located approximately only an hour north of Knoxville at the tri-state border of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. For a unique getaway, 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 forever.
Things To Do
Many visitors come to Cumberland Gap to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Others come seeking outdoor adventure, and the surrounded mountains, trails, and parks offer plenty of opportunities for that. For history buffs, the town and surrounding area feature abounding historic attractions, ranging from settlements built by the first people journeying through the Cumberland Gap mountain pass to the west, to a museum dedicated to one of the most influential presidents in United States history and much more.
For a more modern-day excursion, there is a variety of attractions, quaint shops, restaurants and more at which to immerse yourself in the everyday vibrant life of the town…all within only a three-block radius of downtown. In addition to the natural, scenic beauty of the area, some popular local attractions include the Iron Furnace, the Bicycle Museum, and miles of walking trails, just to name a few reasons to pay a visit.
Some notable mentions include:
- Watch a movie about the Cumberland Gap and pioneer life at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Visitor Center.
- Explore Civil War sites, Appalachian Hensley settlement, and Iron furnace.
- Shop for a perfect gift in the Cumberland Gap Artists’ Co-op.
- Walk the Wilderness Road in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, Shawnee Indians and buffaloes.
- Visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University – or the Little Congress Bicycle Museum next door to the inn!
- Kayak on Cumberland River and boat on Norris Lake.
- Discover Pine Mountain Park, Chained Rock and Pine Mountain Zipline Canopy tour.
In addition to everyday attractions, the Guardians of the Gap proudly host multiple community events in the town throughout the year. Depending on the time of year for your visit, you’ll want stay informed so you don’t miss all the fun. Click HERE to check out their Facebook page, or click HERE for the events page on the website.
Trails
Whether you want a leisurely stroll on a beautiful day, a more intense expedition to experience untouched natural splendor, or any level of difficulty in between, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Some trails are more strenuous than others, and all have various grades of uphill travel. Plus, they’re all merely a stone’s throw away from your home away from home at the Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Nearby trails include:
Pinnacle Overlook Trail – This short 0.2-mile out-and-back trail is generally considered an easy route as it takes an average of only about five minutes to complete. It’s a very popular area for scenic driving and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other visitors along the way.
Tri-State Peak Trail – The popular Tri-State Peak Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail and is generally considered moderately challenging by hiking enthusiasts. On average, it takes about an hour and 20 minutes to complete. This trail is also open year-round and dog friendly (with a leash only).
Ridge Trail to White Rocks – More ambitious hikers can try out the 19-mile out-and-back Ridge Trail. This trek runs the length of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and is considered more of a challenging route as it takes several hours to complete if traveled non-stop.
The Great Eastern Trail – This is a project of the Great Eastern Trail Association, working with the American Hiking Society and local trail partners, to create America’s newest long-distance trail for hikers from Alabama to New York. Part of it goes right by Cumberland Gap, so you can check out a stretch of it during your stay at the inn.
Itineraries
With so many fun and exciting things to do in the Cumberland Gap region and East Tennessee in general, we’ve put together some ideas on what your trip can entail based on the length of your stay. All distances shown are from the town of Cumberland Gap.
One Day (Staying Local):
Visit Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and view 3 states from the Pinnacle Overlook. Go hiking on many trails – traverse the historic Cumberland Gap and walk in the footsteps of Daniel Boone! Or hike up to the Gap Cave and check out the historic Old Iron Furnace (1 mile).
Visit the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN (1 mile).
Get a taste for the pioneer history of the area in the Wilderness Road State Park in VA (6 miles).
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nineteen19 Grill and Bar restaurant in town… then relax on our deck and listen to the sounds of Mill Creek. Or, have a pizza and salad at Angelo’s in the Gap… Finish your day with a flavorful coffee and pastry at The Gap Creek Coffee House.
Two Days (Greater Knoxville area):
Enjoy all the activities from the 1-day itinerary, and also choose from the following on day 2:
Visit downtown Knoxville (60 miles) and see World’s Fair Park, including the Sunsphere, built for the 1982 World’s Fair.
Shop at West Town Mall (65 miles) – the largest mall in Tennessee!
Visit the “Secret City” of Oak Ridge (70 miles) and learn about the nation’s nuclear history at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the American Museum of Science and Energy. Also, don’t miss the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum.
On the way back, stop by to check out the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton (56 miles)…or dine at one of the picturesque marinas on beautiful Norris Lake.
Three Days (History and Nature):
Enjoy all the activities from the Day 1 and 2 itineraries, and also choose from the following on Day 3:
Visit Sevierville/Pigeon Forge (82 miles): The entertainment hub of East Tennessee, with a wide variety of family-friendly activities: Dollywood, dinner shows, fun museums, Go-Kart racing, and so much more!
Keep driving down the Parkway to Gatlinburg (95 miles): The gateway to the Smoky Mountains! Great restaurants, museums, arts and crafts, and more.
Drive through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park (114 miles). Stop at the Newfound Gap overlook; hike up to Clingman’s Dome (Tennessee’s highest mountain!); and visit historic Cade’s Cove. And if you have the time, drive through the park into Cherokee, North Carolina and visit Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about Native American history and life (137 miles).
Five Days (Two-State Explorer):
Enjoy all the activities from the 3-day itinerary, and choose from the following on days 4 and 5:
Option 1:
Portal 31 Mine Tour – Lynch, KY (68 miles): Explore the history of Kentucky coal mining with a tour of a former mine (reservations required; cash only).
On the way back, take a lunch break at The Portal pizza restaurant in Harlan, KY (45 miles). Or, visit the mountaintop restaurant at the Pine Mountain State Resort Park (16 miles) for a meal with a scenic view.
Option 2:
Big South Fork Scenic Railroad – Stearns, KY (77 miles): Take a trip back in time on this steam train ride! Enjoy the beautiful Kentucky countryside (extended trip schedule during the fall color season) on your way to a historic mining camp (optional mine tour and miner’s lunch available). Check out the website for schedules and pricing.
Option 3:
Take a scenic drive towards Morristown, TN and visit the historic Crockett Tavern Museum (45 miles).
Continue on to Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee (110 miles).
Keep driving east to Bristol, the city that is in two states (117 miles) and visit the birthplace of country music and the famed Bristol Motor Speedway.