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Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Nature & Science
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
![View from the Pinnacle Overlook View from the Pinnacle Overlook](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/cuga/naturescience/images/pinnacle4a.jpg) |
NPS Photo | View of mountains from the Pinnacle Overlook |
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Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain.
Stretching for 20 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from 1 to 4 miles in width, the park contains 20,500 acres of which 14,000 acres is proposed wilderness. The natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports diverse animal life including: white-tailed deer, black bear, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, gray squirrel, fox, and wild turkey.
Park resources provide habitat for the endangered Indiana bat Myotis sodalis, and the threatened blackside dace, Phoxinus cumberlandensis. There are 59 state-listed rare plant species.
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![forest scene forest scene](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/cuga/naturescience/images/forest4a.jpg) |
NPS Photo | Secondary growth deciduous forest |
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The majority of the forest is second and third growth Eastern hardwood and conifer mix, the result of timbering and farming over a 175 year period.
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![Skylight Cave, view looking out Skylight Cave, view looking out](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/cuga/naturescience/images/cave4a.jpg) |
Photo by Chuck Summers | Skylight Cave |
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There are 24 known entries to limestone caves, the best known of which is Gap Cave. Other significant natural features include: the Pinnacle, Sand Cave, Devils Garden, and White Rocks.
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![Nature hike Nature hike](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CUGA_hike-highlight.jpg) Discover the wonders of the natural world! Park rangers lead visitors on hikes which unlock the mysteries of the natural world. more... | | ![Cleopatra's Pool in Gap Cave Cleopatra's Pool in Gap Cave](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CUGA_cavepool-copyhlt.jpg) Cleopatra's Pool in Gap Cave Ranger led tours visit the wonderful world of Gap Cave more... | |
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![Hikers on the Sugar Run trail. Hikers on the Sugar Run trail.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081007230450im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CUGA_rn5s7nuk.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Cumberland Gap is an incredible destination for hikers and backpackers... over 70 miles of trails and numerous backcountry camping areas.
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Last Updated: August 03, 2006 at 13:52 EST |