Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - For Kids

Ranging in length from ¼ mile to 19 miles, hiking tails are perfect for families. Lead the way and help your family discover Civil War forts and caves. Perhaps you will even catch a glimpse of Ursus americanus (black bear)!

Skylight Cave is a great place to explore. The Skylight Cave Trailhead is located at the Wilderness Road Picnic Area. Bring a flashlight and look for the cave crickets hiding in cave crevices.

Walk in the Footsteps of Daniel Boone!

Visit with a park ranger and try on a hunting shirt and a tri-cornered hat similar to those worn by Daniel Boone. Guess what – Daniel Boone didn’t wear a coonskin cap. In the winter and in the rain, coonskin caps would get very wet and begin to smell. Tri-cornered hats, favored by Daniel Boone, were made from felt and kept one warm, even when wet.

Dance with a Limber Jack!

Limber jacks are dancing toys. Carved by Appalachian craftsmen, the limber jacks provided youngsters in the mountains hours of excitement. Also try your hand with a dancing bear, and see if you can become an expert with a peg top.

Become an Enlisted Civil War Soldier!

Listen to a confederate soldier as he talks about life at the Gap during the Civil War. Learn about hardtack and hear the legend of Long Tom, a cannon so huge it could strike fear into the opposing enemy. Beware of signing any papers though - you might end up as a new recruit in the army .