Cumberland Gap has been called the "first great gateway to the West," and on Saturday, September 27, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will offer its popular "Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap Heritage Walk." Here's your chance to "meet" characters from the colorful past of these historic mountains.

This will be the fourth year for the annual living history program, and the event has grown in popularity each year. After all, a park spokesperson asks, "Where can you meet intrepid pioneer Rebecca Boone, the murderous Harpe brothers, and famed conservationist Gifford Pinchot, and still stay right in beautiful Cumberland Gap?

The answer, of course, is during the annual Heritage Walk, when the park will be shedding light on some of the lesser-known stories and people from the area's past. Unlike previous years, however, the event will be held over a period of several hours during the day, and visitors can wander along the old Wilderness Road trail at their leisure versus being in guided groups.

"This has been such a popular event in the past, we decided to open it up to everyone throughout the day," explains Park Ranger Sharon Griffin. "From 10 a.m. until noon, and then again from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th, visitors can park at the Thomas Walker parking area, at the junction of Pinnacle and Sugar Run Roads on the Kentucky side of the park, and wander the old trail through the beautiful Cumberland Gap, meeting people from history along the way."

At the end of the 1.5 mile trail at the Daniel Boone parking area in Virginia, visitors can board shuttles to return them to their vehicles.

"Remember to wear good walking shoes and bring water," advises Ranger Griffin. "And bring your camera, as you never know who you will meet!"

If you're not familiar with the area, the starting point for the hike, at the Thomas Walker parking area, is about a five minute drive from the park's Visitor Center, along the road to the Pinnacle Overlook. Employees on the Visitor Center, which is located near the junction of highway 25E and Cumberland Avenue in Middlesboro, Kentucky, will be glad to help you with additional directions.

This program is being co-hosted by the Friends of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Eastern National.

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located near Middlesboro, Kentucky, at the spot where Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee intersect. You'll find driving directions at this link, and additional details to help plan a visit on the park website.