We love sharing the over abundance of fantastic parks you can find throughout Kentucky, because each one has its own special beauty and alluring features. Whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast who has all of Kentucky's trailheads memorized or you simply enjoy a stroll along a paved path around a lake, everyone can agree that Kentucky is a great place to be outside. And one of the best places to be outside in our state can be found in the southeast corner of Kentucky in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This massive park that spans Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia is not only one of the most beautiful parks in the state, but it is also in the running for the most beautiful in the nation.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park actually spans three states and one of them is Kentucky.

A short hike to the Tristate Peak will provide you with views of all three states: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This is just one of the unique features that make Cumberland Gap a special place to visit.

The history of the park is quite intriguing and you can learn all about it during your visit.

Hensley Settlement, located atop Brush Mountain, is a great place to start where you can go back in time and experience life as it was for settlers in the Gap. The Hensley Settlement was established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley and was occupied until 1951. The historic buildings remain and can be visited through a guided tour, which run late May through October.

Aside from the historical relevance and beauty of its past, Cumberland Gap is known for sweeping views and diverse landscape.

There are many overlooks where you can observe the rolling mountains, lush valleys and open skies. When you visit, make sure and stop at the Visitor's Center just outside of Middlesboro to learn all about the park and find out which overlooks and trails are best for you.

Once you begin to explore the park, you'll see why it is one of the most beautiful in the nation.

The thick forests make it mesmerizing to imagine what it was like for pioneers who traveled through, years and years ago. The cascades at Gap Creek are a must see and can be found on the Wilderness Road Trail right before you get to the Cumberland Gap if you start at the Daniel Boone parking lot.

The park offers many events and activities so that you can experience the views, wilderness, and adventure in a mindful way.

Some months, they offer sunrise meet ups so you can join a group and take in views of the most stunning sunrise you'll ever see. There are also guided hikes and tours, camping, photography tours, and many other ways to take full advantage of this historic park. And once you do, you will surely agree that Cumberland Gap is truly deserving of a spot on the short list of most beautiful parks in the nation.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has something for everyone and should definitely be near the top of your Kentucky bucket list. Have you seen the views and experienced the natural beauty of this historic park? Share your memories with us in the comments!

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 25E just south of Middlesboro, Kentucky. For more information about the park, visit its website here.

And if the mountains are still calling your name, check out our previous article for more stunning areas of Kentucky here.