Ridge Trail (Cumberland Gap National Historical Park)

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, National Park Service (along the Kentucky-Virginia line)

The Ridge Trail runs about 21 miles along the crest of Cumberland Mountain, the length of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, on the line between Kentucky and Virginia. The National Park Service says it “connects with many trailheads and campsites,” passing historic Hensley Settlement, the huge rock shelter at Sand Cave, and the White Rocks cliffs.

Five designated backcountry campsites spread along the route, and permits are free but must be picked up in person at the visitor center.

The hike

Scouting magazine describes the Ridge Trail as following “the backbone” of the Cumberland Mountains through oak, hickory, maple, and pine, reaching about 3,513 feet at its eastern high point, roughly 2,300 feet above the visitor center. It suggests three to five days for an out-and-back, or a shuttle for a one-way traverse. Virginia Tourism adds that the trail runs end to end and recommends a one-night loop, or a two- or three-night trip and back, for hikers who can’t arrange a shuttle.

Hensley Settlement, at about 3,400 feet according to the NPS, is a collection of restored early-1900s farmsteads on an isolated plateau on Brush Mountain, per Scouting magazine. Virginia Tourism calls it “a collection of preserved cabins and farm buildings of a forgotten mountaintop community.” The NPS says treated water is available there seasonally.

Sand Cave lies a few miles east of Hensley, according to Scouting, which describes a 75-foot sandstone overhang, “one of the largest ‘rockhouses’ in the eastern United States,” and Virginia Tourism mentions a waterfall. A 2021 trip report on Backcountry Post called it “massive” and hard to capture in photos.

White Rocks is a limestone cliff that Scouting says served as a landmark for travelers; it quotes Daniel Boone: “The aspect of these cliffs is so wild and horrid that it is impossible to behold them without terror.” Virginia Tourism says the view can reach “the Smoky Mountains on a clear day.” It also lists Skylight Cave and Indian Rock shelter along the trail.

The Backcountry Post hiker reached the ridge by the Ewing Trail from Virginia, a steep climb of about 3 miles and 2,000 feet, and noted heavy horse traffic on weekends near Sand Cave and White Rocks. The NPS warns of timber rattlesnakes and copperheads and says black bears live in the park.

Tips

Get your permit in person. NPS permits are free, picked up the day before or the day of your trip at the visitor center; call 606-248-2817 to reserve.
Hang or contain food. NPS requires approved bear-proof containers or hanging at least 10 feet up. NPS lists bear cables at the sites, but in October 2024 it reported the Chadwell Gap cables gone after Hurricane Helene, so carry your own rope.
Treat spring water. NPS says to boil and treat water or carry your own.
Plan a shuttle or an out-and-back; the trail is end to end.
Watch for snakes on warm rocks and ledges.
Expect cooler temperatures on the ridge; Scouting says at least 10 degrees below the valleys.

Camping

Camping is allowed only at five designated sites, per the NPS: Gibson Gap (12 people), Hensley Camp (20), Chadwell Gap (12), Martins Fork (25), and White Rocks (12). Each is listed with bear cables and a fire ring (an October 2024 NPS release said the Chadwell Gap cables were gone after Hurricane Helene; whether they have been replaced wasn’t confirmed), and fires are allowed only in established rings using dead wood. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days. Alcohol isn’t allowed outside camp, and hunting is prohibited in the park. Pets must be leashed. Pack out everything.

Inside Intel: The Backcountry Post hiker stayed both nights at White Rocks camp, about 0.4 mile from the overlook, describing six or seven flat spots, fire pits, NPS bear hangs, and a “surprisingly good water source” downhill (which may take more walking in dry seasons). The same report recommends Martins Fork, reached via Chadwell Gap, for good camping and water closer to Hensley Settlement.

Trail facts

Distance: About 21 miles one way (NPS)
Route type: Point-to-point, or out-and-back sections
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation: Visitor center about 1,100 feet; Hensley Settlement about 3,400 feet (NPS)
Campsites: Gibson Gap, Hensley Camp, Chadwell Gap, Martins Fork, White Rocks
Water: Seasonal spigot at Hensley Settlement; seasonal springs (treat)
Permits: Free backcountry permit, in person at the visitor center
Food storage: Bear-proof container or hang 10 feet up; bear cables listed at sites (Chadwell Gap’s reported gone in Oct. 2024); bring rope
Contact: Visitor center, 606-248-2817
Last verified: October 17, 2026

The Lowdown

A cold night near White Rocks:

The Ridge Trail runs well above the valleys, and Scouting says it's at least 10 degrees cooler up top. A warmer bag earns its weight here. See the sleeping bags testers like.

See the picks →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.