MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — The National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday it had removed hundreds of downed trees along the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park's trail system.
According to NPS, park staff and a 12-person sawyer task force have cleared more than 500 trees from nearly 10 miles of trail.
The 12-person crew included members from seven other National Parks, including Arches National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Shenandoah National Park.
“I really appreciate all the work from our staff and the sawyer crew that has gone into restoring safe access to our trails” Superintendent Lisa Baldwin said in a press release. “We know how important Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is to the community for recreation, exercise, and as an escape from the everyday chaos.”
Crews focused on clearing trees from trails to improve access to the park's backcountry and wilderness area. NPS officials say there are still several trails in the park that haven't been cleared and have hazardous conditions. Most of the park's buildings appear undamaged with the exception of the Pinnacle Restrooms, NPS said. The restrooms were substantially damaged.
A majority of hiking, bike and horseback riding trails in the park have reopened. Recreationists should beware of downed trees. For the latest on conditions, visit the park's alerts and conditions page.
