Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is among 32 sites featured on an exclusive full-size map of Appalachia which appeared in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler. In addition to the magazine, which reaches more than 900,000 subscribers, National Geographic has built an accompanying Web site (http//www.nationalgeographic.comiAppalachia) that will be active for one year.
"I have never found an area as beautiful or as scenic as the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, particularly the Appalachia area," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "I am proud that Kentucky and Appalachia are being recognized in National Geographic Traveler. While Kentuckians have always known the area is a treasure, now the nation will be informed as well."
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Superintendent Mark Woods expressed great pleasure at being among those chosen by National Geographic's editors and featured in the national publication. "As the nation's first doorway to the west, it's very appropriate that Cumberland Gap be shown on the map." Woods further explains, "We have an impressive tourism product in Appalachia - it's just a matter of getting more people to discover it." "We're proud to be listed on the map with all the wonderful attractions and hope that we'll see more visitors dropping by and staying for a while."
Kentucky sites on the map include arts centers, historic inns and bed and breakfasts, shops featuring traditional Appalachian handmade crafts, scenic and historic parks and attractions. The "Appalachia Geotourism MapGuide" is the first project of its kind for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which spearheaded the effort to stimulate economic development by showcasing the region's natural, cultural and heritage attractions. Free copies of the map are available at the national park visitor center.
For additional information on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, please contact (606) 248-2817.
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