Hensley Settlement Tours

Hensley Settlement

NPS

Join park rangers and step into the past at the historic Hensley Settlement on top of Brush Mountain. Stroll down fence-lined lanes, look into the springhouse, and sit in the one-room schoolhouse. The Hensley Settlement was established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley and was occupied until 1951. The historic buildings remain and can be visited on this 4 1/2 to 5 hour tour.

Tours are offered from mid May until late October.

All Hensley Settlement Tours start at 10 a.m.

• June 1 - August 13 - every Thursday - Sunday.
• August 14 - September 24 - every Friday and Sunday; Saturday, August 12th; Saturday, August 26th; Saturday, September 9th; and Saturday, September 23rd.
• September 25 - October 31 - every day.

How to participate in a Hensley Settlement Tour:

• REQUIRED! Make a reservation, by noon the day before desired tour date
• Arrive at the visitor center at least 15 minutes prior to the tour, to check in and pay for your tickets

Important things to know for a safe and enjoyable Hensley Settlement Tour:

• Tour departs from visitor center via shuttle, then once at the settlement the tour requires walking one mile
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Pack a cold lunch you can hold on your lap for lunch with a ranger at Hensley Settlement
• If no reservations have been booked by noon the day before the tour, it will be canceled
• Tours are limited to 10 people
• Tours are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances
• Those who are sick, have Covid 19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone with Covid 19 symptoms should not participate in the tour

Details

Duration

4-5 Hours

Activity

Guided Tours

Ride a Park Service 10 passenger van up a gravel road for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once at the settlement, a Park Ranger will lead visitors on a tour of the historic buildings. 

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

• Adults - $10.00
• Interagency Senior Pass - $5.00
• Interagency Access Pass - $5.00
• Children ages twelve and under - $5.00

Reservations

Yes

• Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance by calling the visitor center at 606-248-2817
• Reservations are accepted by phone or in person only between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily

Season

Summer, Fall

Tours occur from mid May until end of October. 

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The Hensley Settlement tours as visitors will ride in a 10 passenger van to the settlement. The trails in the settlement are realitively flat and wide for a variety of visitors and their needs. Service Animals are allowed.