Hensley Settlement Tours

 

Hensley Settlement.

NPS Photo

 

Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn.

Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.

 

Historic log cabin at Hensley Settlement, nestled in the Cumberland Gap, surrounded by peak fall foliage.

NPS Photo

Tour Availability

Season: Mid-May through October
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Group Size: 10 people per tour

Tour Ticket Prices

Adults: $10.00
Interagency Senior Pass Holders: $5.00
Interagency Access Pass Holders: $5.00
Children (ages 12 and under): $5.00

How to Reserve Your Spot

• Advance reservations are recommended and must be made by noon the day before your desired tour date.
• If no reservations are made by noon the day before, the tour will be canceled.
• Reservations are accepted by phone, 606-248-2817, or in person at the Visitor Center daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
• Reservations can be made up to one month before the desired tour date.

 

Tour Images

 

A volunteer leads a guided tour at the Hensley Settlement, sharing stories and historical insights at an interpretive sign.

NPS Photo

Sunlight streams through the window of the Hensley Settlement schoolhouse, illuminating rows of original wooden desks used by students.

NPS Photo

A historic log cabin at Hensley Settlement, surrounded by split-rail fencing and fields, showcases early Appalachian homestead life.

NPS Photo

 

On the Day of Your Tour

• Arrive at the Visitor Center in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and pay for your tour at least 15 minutes in advance of the tour start time.
• Meet the tour guide at the van in front of the Visitor Center about 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes and outerwear appropriate for weather conditions.
• Bring water and a cold lunch that you can hold on your lap during the van ride.
• The tour will leave promptly at the scheduled time.

What to Expect on Your Tour

• A passenger van ride of about 1 hour each way from the Visitor Center to Hensley Settlement.
• A 4-wheel drive van ride up and back down a steep, curvy, narrow mountain road with sharp drop-offs and switchbacks.
• An easy 1-mile walk around the remote, historic Hensley Settlement at the top of Brush Mountain; consider any health conditions or mobility limitations.
• A 4-hour outdoor program that includes about a 1-hour drive to the settlement, about 2 hours spent at the settlement, and about a 1-hour drive back to the Visitor Center.
• A stop at vault toilets when the van first arrives at the settlement and before the van leaves the settlement.
• A pleasant exploration of the settlement grounds including the barn, cabins, and blacksmith shop!
• A quiet, idyllic picnic with your own cold lunch out by the one-room schoolhouse!

Important Reminders for a Safe & Enjoyable Experience

• The tour requires riding in a 12-passenger van for about 1 hour to the settlement and about 1 hour back to the Visitor Center. The route requires driving up a steep, narrow, curvy mountain road with sharp drop-offs and switchbacks. If you have concerns about motion sickness or claustrophobia, please assess your ability to participate.
• Tours last 4-5 hours. Bathroom availability is limited to a stop at vault toilets when the van arrives at Hensley Settlement and when the van departs from Hensley Settlement.
• Please consider tour suitability for infants and very small children.
• No shuttling is allowed. All participants must stay with and return with the group.

Accessibility & Safety Considerations

• Service animals are allowed but require reserving a space on the tour to allow for a seat in the van.
• Car seat requirements apply. If you have children who require car seats, you must bring their car seat and provide that information when making reservations.