CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. — The Cumberland Gap area of southeastern Kentucky has been named the number one fall trip destination in the Southern United States by Southern Living magazine. Cumberland Gap placed first on Southern Living’s list — followed by Greenville, South Carolina and Broken Bow, Oklahoma — making them the second and third on the annual list of the best places to visit during autumn.

Besides brilliant foliage, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park boasts the old historic town of Hensley Settlement, caves and trails to hike.

Other features of interest include the Iron Furnance, the Pinnacle Overlook, and the quaint town of Cumberland Gap itself. The park’s visitor center house a small museum with interpretive displays on the natural and cultural history of the Gap, and features a short film on the history of the area as a travel artery.

The park was established in 1940, when it was just a trail, and was used for the wester migration and was explored by Daniel Boone in the days of early American. The trail was called Cumberland Gap by Dr. Thomas Walker when he discovered the small in 1750.

Later on in history, Cumberland Gap was used by both the Union and Confederates during the Civil War as the two nations fought against each other.

For more information, call (606)248-2847.

C.J. Harte is a Correspondent for the Daily News. He can be reached via e-mail at charte@middlesborodailynews.com.