Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Natural Features

The natural resources of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are rich and diverse. However, they have been altered during the past two centuries by logging operations, highway construction, Civil War activities, agricultural practices, visitors, development in the adjacent area, fire, and chestnut blight.

East of the gap lies 15,470 acres of roadless area extending 15 miles along Cumberland and Brush Mountains. The Kentucky-Virginia State line is the sheer ridge of the Cumberland Mountain. Both Cumberland and Brush Mountains are exceedingly steep and rugged, forming high cliffs in many areas. Along the south face of Cumberland Mountain, in Virginia, are 24 caves varying from 20 feet to over six miles in length. These caves occur in the Greenbrier Limestone formation. Some of the caves contain dome pits up to 125 feet deep as well as small, tight, crawl-ways large enough for a small person or child to enter. Indiana bat (endangered), other bats, rats, beetles and several invertebrates have been found in many of the park"s caves. The Sand Cave, a natural scenic area in Kentucky, is a half-domed chamber, 250 feet across in front (open). The floor slopes from back to front and is 1.25 acres of fine, colorful sand.

At the east end of the park are 500-foot cliffs known as White Rocks. These cliffs rise above the surrounding wooded slopes and offer the visitor a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.

Martin"s Fork, Shillalah, Devil"s Garden, Sugar Run, and Davis Branch are streams found in Kentucky. Lewis Hollow and Station Creek are streams found in Virginia. All these streams begin inside the park. Other streams are located in the park but do not originate inside the park. Martin"s Fork and Shillalah Creek have supported brook trout in the past. Davis Branch supports a federal threatened species, blackside dace. All streams are bordered by forests, mountain laurel, and/or rhododendron.

The park contains more than 70 miles of foot and horse trails and five backcountry camping areas.

Exotic species occur throughout the previously and presently developed areas of the park. Kudzu, privet, and Japanese honeysuckle are surpassing native species in disturbed sites. Several other exotic grasses, shrubs, and trees are found in the park.