Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Daniel Boone’s Long Hunt through Cumberland Gap 1769–2019
September 14, 2019: A Special Full Moon Hike through the Cumberland Gap
Hosted by the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Presenting Daniel Boone: From the Shadows to a Walk in the Moonlight
Want to know more about Daniel Boone and his life and times? What kind of man he was? What family members, long hunters, native Americans or other fellow pioneers thought about him? Then you will want to attend this special dramatic presentation as a Full Moon Hike over the Cumberland Gap.
The freeborn forest found and kept them free,
And fresh as is a torrent or a tree.
And tall, and strong, and swift of foot were they,
Beyond the dwarfing city's pale abortions,
Because their thoughts had never been the prey
Of care or gain; the green woods were their portions
* * *
Simple they were, not savage; and their rifles,
Though very true, were yet not used for trifles.
* * *
Serene, not sullen, were the solitudes
Of this unsighing people of the woods.—Byron.
This event celebrates the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone’s first entrance into Kentucky through the Cumberland Gap in 1769. Hikers will follow in the footsteps of Boone over the Gap as they listen and look for the shadows of Boone in the moonlight. This celebration commemorates the beginning of westward expansion as Daniel Boone’s long hunter trip through the Cumberland Gap set into motion the beginning of the story of thousands of settlers moving beyond the Appalachian Mountains.
The scheduled hikes include:
7:00 p.m. Sunset Ceremony at the Pinnacle
8:00 p.m. (Already filled)
8:15 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:45 p.m.
Participants will gather in the Daniel Boone parking area and climbs up 1.5 miles over the Gap with stops along the way. The hike is rated moderate/difficult with 600 feet in elevation and requires good walking shoes. Attendees will be shuttled back to the parking area following the event. Reservations are required for Full Moon Hike through the Cumberland Gap. Make reservations at the Visitor Center or call 606–246–1075. Each hike is limited to 30 attendees.
