Gap Cave and Tri-State Peak
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Overview. This is a great hike to a historic location at Tri-State Peak, but the real beauty here is at Gap Cave’s entrance where some beautiful geology is on display. Though I’m not sure if the arches there have names, there are a pair of them along with a nice pillar window at the lower entrance. The cave was closed on our visit, but we walked up to the upper entrance anyway. Skip the upper portion unless you’re in the mood to log a little extra distance.
Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.53 miles
Overall Difficulty | Moderate
Map of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 36.601085, -83.669121
Iron Furnace Split | 36.601344, -83.668311
Tennessee & Wilderness Trail Intersection | 36.602331, -83.669406
Gap Cave & Wilderness Trail Intersection | 36.601619, -83.665828
Split to Upper (left)/Lower (right) Gap Cave Entrances | 36.602236, -83.666269
Wilderness & Tri-State Peak Trail Intersection | 36.603961, -83.673247
Tri-State Peak | 36.600808, -83.675286
Trailhead. Ample parking is available at the Iron Furnace Parking Lot in Cumberland Gap, TN. [map]
Trail navigation. As is true with most heavily trafficked National Park Service trails, this hike is well signed on double-track trail with varying surfaces - dirt, gravel, and pavement. Begin at the Tennessee Trail trailhead and make your way past Iron Furnace before reaching the intersection with Wilderness Trail. Turn right (east) here and continue to the next intersection with Gap Cave Trail. Make the sharp left and head northwest. A short walk uphill later, you’ll reach the intersection to the two entrances to Gap Cave. Stay left for the lower entrance and continue until reaching the cave. Though the cave is closed, it’s a great chance to catch some natural air conditioning, explore the arches at the entryway, and peer into the cave. Turnaround here and take the trail to the upper entrance if you wish. There’s not much to see here, so feel free to skip this part of the hike. Continue to the Wilderness Trail and make a sharp right (west) to retrace your steps and continue on to Tri-State Peak. It’s a pretty steady climb from here (ideal for trail runners). A quarter-mile past the Tennessee/Wilderness Trail intersection, turn left (west) to continue up to Tri-State Peak before returning via Wilderness, then Tennessee Trail.
CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.
CAUTION - Bears. Black bears are growing in number throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Be sure to follow bear safety precautions. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]
Three States Cornerstone Historical Marker
Ample parking is available at the Iron Furnace Parking Lot
After parking, look for this trailhead at the northeast corner of the lot
Iron Furnace at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Looking back at the trail sign at the first major trail intersection
Move uphill to reach Gap Cave
Pillar window and arch at Gap Cave
A view inside the lower entrance to Gap Cave
Box turtle along Gap Cave Trail
A nice view from Gap Cave Trail
Healthy forest along the Wilderness Trail
Intersection of Wilderness and Tri-State Peak Trails
Daniel Boone Trail Monument