Land truly worthy of the protection of the National Park system, you get 85 miles of hiking trails…read more 37 square miles of mostly wilderness, and the landscape is awesome. That said, I'm going to complain lightly about a few things anyway. First, the real reason for the park is a story of European conquest -- the great westward expansion of the colonists through the gap and into Virginia and Tennessee territory. While we have more spectacular Appalachian parks in Great Smoky Mountain NP, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah, this one is really here for that historical aspect. (The gap of course was also used by big game as well as trappers and traders, of course.) So for those of us who really just want to enjoy the mountains, this isn't really the top destination, but it will certainly do. Then there is the general problem of understaffing and weak resourcing. We found trails near the town of Cumberland Gap to be well-maintained, but they also clearly have a massive problem of spreading kudzu. I'm not seeing that likely to change if we don't better resource that effort. Support of the parks is a federal line item, and the postwar consensus to do so is a thing of the past. Also worth noting -- lodging options are limited here. We stayed instead at Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Kentucky, which has a very good lodge and some very charming old cabins and cottages. (I didn't look carefully at campground options, but I know those exist too.)

7/26/26 My husband…read moreand I like to take a cave trip every year for our anniversary. This year, we traveled from Ohio to the Bristol area. Gap Cave was a great stop for the way back home. I will admit that we originally did not go in with high expectations. We saw the $8 price tag and thought that meant this cave must be underwhelming with the price being THAT low compared to all other tours that we have been on. Gap Cave was the 29th cave/cavern that we have visited in the US. When I tell you that we were pleasantly surprised, that is the understatement of the century. We loved the experience of getting to use the flashlights to light our own path while in the cave. The hike to the cave itself is super beautiful. Our tour guides(Lucas, Dylan, and Mackenzie) were amazing. You could see all of their enthusiasm for their job which is always great to see! Gap Cavern has an amazing amount of formations. We enjoyed our tour here more than the Domes and Dripstones tour at Mammoth Cave. The visitors center of Cumberland Gap National Park was also super nice! The employees and rangers were so friendly and kind! We highly recommend making this stop!

I visited the Stearns entrance to see the Blue Heron area, and was extremely impressed! The mine…read morecommunity exhibits were excellent, with loads of information, artifacts, and even walled up mine entrances! The tipple bridge is closed pending repairs due to flood damage, but it's still really cool to see! The trail was much more interesting than I anticipated and the overlook area was gorgeous with sweeping views of the river. There's even a scenic railroad with dog friendly accommodations that take you from Stearns into the Blue Heron station, which I'll definitely come back to do, as my dog partner in crime is terrified of trains.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a wonderful location for getting away for the…read moreweekend, or linger. They have individual campsites and group campsites with a pavilion and restrooms with showers, and a group campfire area. It is a beautiful area and perfect for people traveling with horses that line to camp and ride. Follow me on Yelp for more things to see and do in East Tennessee.

This state park is near Cumberland gap. In addition to offering picnic facilities, a visitor…read morecenter, and access to a local rail trail, I was surprised to find that it also offers a historical recreation experience. I only just caught them at the end of the day, but the re-created fort was a window back into late colonial history when the nearby Cumberland gap was the route by which what is now Kentucky was settled. I chatted up some historical reenactors briefly. The mountainside aesthetics are majestic. The range of places that are under Virginia State Park control are impressive. Even as a current southwestern Virginian myself, this is at least four hours away. It is so far into the tiny little tail of Virginia. But I had driven by this area before and not stopped and I am glad I found the opportunity to do so.

The setting couldn't be more lovely! Nestled between two mountain ridges, even the drive out along…read morethe historic Daniel Boone Wilderness Road turned highway! During the warmer months, historic re-enactors demonstrate how things may have looked back in the days when settlers were gathering to attempt passage through the Cumberland Gap (nearby!) and settle the Midwest. The old fort even allows you to enter the buildings and look around! There were animals on site, and we even saw a baby bison (from a safe viewing distance along a trail of course, they aren't free range!) I was really impressed with the thatched roof in the Native American settlement, and if you can, start at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Center, then drive here to follow the historic path to the west!

The Knoxville Visitor Center is a great place to find out what the Knoxville area has to offer…read morewhile visiting downtown. Also daily at noon you can enjoy a free musical performance while they air the Blue Plate Special. You can also shop for unique gifts and souvenirs specific to the Knoxville area, including local products. The staff is very helpful and they are just a quick walk away from Market Square.

As a nomad, my family has lived in and visited countless cities and we always check out the…read morevisitors centers to get the lay of the land. The Knoxville Visitors Center is head and shoulders above any other I've been to regarding the service and the offerings. What other center has a working radio station, complete with live music performances (Blue Plate Special)? There are countless maps, bus, trolley, and event schedules, biz flyers, and a fairly comprehensive gift shop. I love that the gift shop is full of local vendor merchandise. This spot is a true celebration of our city. Make sure to check out the outdoor wall mural near the rear parking lot.

Clean bathrooms, well stocked gift shop. But the real gem was Logan, who took the time to share the…read moreclosest place to eat, the shortest trail to make you say WOW, and taught us how to pronounce a few local names. (Its pronounced O-nyda not O-needa) Support our National Parks!

I always love going to visitor centers and talking with the park rangers. I like to get a park map,…read moretips and just overall learn about the park. There is a small display of wildlife and a gift shop. The rangers were very friendly and knowledgeable.

This place is a hidden gem. I highly recommend stopping by at the very least to do the Lily Bluff…read moreOverlook. It's not strenous and the rewards of the views after a short walk are well worth it. I visited when it was raining and so it wasn't the best view, but it was still gorgeous. I also went on the Obed River Point Trail (3.6-mile out-and-back). You have to cross some streams using rocks, and there's also a wood bridge. The trail has a hidden arch rock to your right as you approach the end of the trail, but it's small and there's a reason why they don't mark it as it's not dramatic haha. Towards the end of the trail there's a lot of small social off shoot trails, but the main trail is wider than the others. Near the end of the trail there's a marker and then an end point marker. Neat trail!

An absolutely stunning nature space with a great many wild features to look forward to. They have…read moretrails and adventures for everyone so that everyone is able to enjoy the splendor that is Obed. Lily Bluff Overlook itself has multiple access trails. For those needing a mostly flat path with maintained gravel surface, try the upper parking lot trailhead. It is easily recognized by the huge Obed sign at the parking lot entrance. For a more uphill and challenging experience, take one of the trailheads from either of the bridge parking areas below the bluff. Pictures: 1) Lily Bluff Overlook platform -- an extensive platform to make access safe and manageable for everyone while also protecting the natural elements of the bluff. 2) The view from Lily Bluff Overlook 3) The hike up -- this picture shows the start of the trail up to Lily Bluff from the bridge parking area. The hike is all uphill with stone and wooden stairs, and roots. It is a beautiful, fun, and enjoyable hike.

Good place to stop before heading into the park for maps, information and restrooms. It does get…read morecrowded with heavy traffic on the weekend

It was clean their and all of the workers were very nice and helpful. We got a couple books and…read moresuch like that from when the new worker loudly announced the closing time. It wasn't a bother for me but the other workers apologized anyway. It's a good place to go before or after a hike.

Stay Away! I hate it here!! I'd like to keep these beautiful trails all to myself! Nothing to…read moresee here with your pups. The parking is terrible, the Rangers are not helpful at all, and the restrooms are the worst! Just let me come here alone and enjoy this splendor Mother Nature has created! But in all seriousness, I love it here! You should check it out.

Holy mole! This is a fabulous state park. Totally free parking, incredible restroom facilities - I…read moreknow that might sound dramatic but they had air conditioning in them! This is something Florida needs to jump on board with. And there was so many great spots for ground camping as well as areas for campers/RVs. We spent a couple hours at the park doing the hike to the waterfall. It was pretty leisurely and the grade is mild so it made for a comfortable trek. If you are planning to hike here, drive as faaaaaar as you can before parking. If you choose to park in the first lots you'll be walking about a mile just to get to the trail head. The trails were beautiful and the waterfall is so fun! You really can climb and explore it, I would suggest bringing plenty of water to drink and shoes that you can walk through the water in.

Right next to the interstate and with a large parking lot, this visitor's center has tons of info…read moreabout local attractions and lodging arrangements. There is a large parking lot with room for pull-through sized vehicles if it's not too busy. Inside, restrooms that are clean. I did not check for wifi. This is not a Commonwealth of Kentucky https://www.yelp.com/biz/kentucky-transportation-cabinet-frankfort?hrid=4sOw6iQy3Cz6w7k3V3wv-g rest area but instead is operated by the local city and county to help draw tourists. There is a Tesla Supercharger station adjacent. [Review 17209 overall - 151 in Kentucky - 726 of 2022.]

Stopped for the restrooms. Terrible shape. From broken sinks, to strawn rolls of toilet paper, to…read moreterrible smells. Welcome center was full and clean.

We have often stopped at this Tennessee Welcome Center when traveling for hours on I-75 South. The…read moreviews of the mountains are particularly beautiful along this stretch of the highway, but there aren't many places for a stop in the mountains. This rest center/"Welcome to Tennessee" center has always been a nice stop, with well kept grounds, maps and lots of tourist information, and ( importantly)-clean, well kept restrooms. It also has doggy areas and a mile-long walking path (6 laps= 1 Mile.) The personnel have been pleasant and helpful. There is a building with sundries/snacks. I have been impressed with the state's ability to keep this location clean and well stocked. They usually have flowers and seasonal decor outside.