(Updated September 16, 2021) I believe the saying is the “third time’s a charm.” For us, that was the case. We finally made it to Cumberland Knob on our third attempt to visit the recreation area.  

Cumberland Knob is on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) fifteen miles south of our campground, Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground. Because we visited in the winter during our off-season, we parked across the Parkway and walked in. For safety reasons, the National Park Service keeps the gates locked during the winter. During the season from May through October, there is ample parking for visitors.

History

As you make your way to the main part of the recreation area, which has a restroom and a grassy field, stop to read the educational plaques. Cumberland Knob has history. Blue Ridge Parkway construction started in 1935 around Cumberland Gap. The recreation area was the first to open in 1937. The planners and builders were exceptionally thoughtful about the construction and landscaping methods they chose all along the parkway. The plaques explain how those choices preserve the scenic beauty of the mountains to this day.

Walk to Cumberland Knob

After reading the plaques, you’ll be at the restroom, which was once the first concession stand on the parkway. Walk around to the far side, and you’ll find a sign that points you to the trails. To the right, the paved trail takes you on a twenty-minute round-trip walk to Cumberland Knob. The other is a two-hour loop called the Gully Creek Trail.  

Gully Creek Trail

You can pick up the Gully Creek Trail going either right or left on the paved path. We didn’t tackle the whole trail on this visit. On the winter afternoon when we visited, temperatures were dropping and a snow storm was predicted that night. To be safe, we walked about a mile out and back. We admired the forests, the mountainous terrain, and the vista out over the mountains.

Last August, our son returned to Cumberland Knob and hiked the Gully Creek Trail. He shared his take on the trail describing the first segment as strictly downhill with just a few switch backs. At the bottom, the trail flattens out and alternately parallels and crosses a creek. Hikers need to be prepared to jump from rock to rock at multiple points to follow the path from one side of the creek to the other. At these crossings, take a moment to look ahead and find the trail. The path isn’t as clearly marked, but it is visible ahead. The final segment is a steep hill that takes you out of the gully and back to the main part of the recreation area. Overall, this is a strenuous hike. Everyone we know who has hiked it had a great time, including our son. One tip to take to heart is to wear good hiking shoes.

Keep in mind, Cumberland Knob isn’t only for hikers. Families will find shaded picnic areas with grills. The grassy area is perfect for tossing a Frisbee or sitting down to take in the view.

If you’re planning a trip to the Parkway make sure Cumberland Knob is part of your itinerary. With the history, trails, picnic area and views, you can have an enjoyable day there any time of year. 

Learn about more places to hike not far from Cumberland Knob.