MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — The National Park Service said hundreds of thousands of people visited the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in 2023, spending millions of dollars in nearby communities.
A release said 797,346 visitors stopped by the park, spending more than $25.6 million in nearby communities. According to the report, visitors also spent around $1.4 billion total, across Tennessee. Most of that money was spent on hotels and lodging, followed by restaurants.
Statewide visitor spending matches the amount spent in 2022 — showing that a sudden spike in interest in national parks has continued for two years in a row. The report said in 2023 around 10.5 million people visited the park.
Cumberland Gap Nap National Historical Park is a key point when crossing the Appalachians, and a release said it became known as the "First Gateway to the West." It's located near where Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia meet and spans around 24,000 acres.
