The Cumberland Gap, located on the borders of three
Southeastern states - Kentucky, Tennessee and
Virginia - was the historical gateway through the
Central Appalachians for colonial America’s drive to
expand into western lands. In 1775, Daniel Boone
blazed the Wilderness Road through the Gap and
across what is now Kentucky to the Ohio River,
opening up Kentucky’s bluegrass plains to east coast
settlers.
The 24,000-acre Cumberland Gap National Historic
Park preserves the Gap for visitors, trail users and
history buffs. 14,000 acres of the land is designated
as Wilderness. 85 miles of trails wind through
towering deciduous forests with spectacular
overlooks, unique sandstone formations and
underground caverns.
One evening in July, 2018, Back Country Horsemen
members from Kentucky and Tennessee set up camp
at the Park. Their goal: to replace twenty old trail posts
and signs in two Wilderness areas in the mountains.
Early the next morning, they split into two groups,
accompanied by Park staff. A string of four horses and
their riders, plus one pack mule embarked on the
Ridge Trail, which ascends the mountain on the east
side. A second group of 2 horses and their riders, and
one pack horse drove to the west side for a 5-mile ride
up to historic Hensley Settlement, where they packed
up materials brought by Park staff to continue on to
the western work location.
It was a long day for both people and stock; 20 miles
on steep trails carrying new signs and posts, installing
them, and removing posts and signs to take down the
mountain.
Cumberland Gap NP Supervisor Sula Jacobs wrote a
note of thanks to the work crews. “We couldn't be
happier how well the day worked out for everyone
involved. I'll take this opportunity to say how
wonderful this partnership has already been for the
park and how much of a difference you all have made.”
For the Back Country Horsemen (BCH) of Tennessee
and Kentucky and staff at Cumberland Gap National
Historical Park (NHP), the day would be one of pride,
accomplishment, camaraderie, visitor enhancement,
and the beginning of a volunteer partnership that
would not fade
with the sunset.
Learn more online:
www.bcha.org
“Horse Power” Makes a Difference at
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Back Country Horsemen of Tennessee and Kentucky Lend a Hand on Park Trails
Hensley Settlement
Lige Gibbons Pro