The Incredible Hike In Kentucky That Leads To A Fascinating Abandoned Settlement
By Will Suphan|Published November 29, 2023
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
While the natural beauty of our state is well worth a hike all by itself, it’s an extra special treat when we happen upon abandoned structures that lend a sense of mystery and history to our adventures. There’s a hike in Cumberland Gap that leads to an abandoned settlement which is surprisingly well-preserved. Welcome to the Chadwell Gap Trail in Kentucky.
The Chadwell Gap Trail is a challenging five-mile out-and-back trail near the Kentucky/Virginia state border which is well worth the effort as it leads to gorgeous overlooks and ends up in an abandoned Appalachian settlement.
The views alone make this trail worthwhile. Gazing out upon the bucolic countryside below provides a welcome sense of calm and respite. It feels good to get away from the city for a while. It's good to take a break as the last half of the hike can get rather steep.
After a little over three hours of hiking, you’ll be rewarded with the experience of exploring the Hensley Settlement which began to grow in 1903 when Burton Hensley gave 21 acres of his land to his daughter Nicey, who moved here with her husband Sherman.
The settlement grew to about 100 inhabitants as others joined and they thrived here for roughly 40 years atop Cumberland Mountain. No roads or electricity came here, and by 1951, everyone had moved to more modern areas.
The residents would attend church, play games, raise animals, farm, trade with other settlements, and there was a school for the children. They made quite a good life for themselves here until societal advancements and conveniences lured them away from farming life.
You can even find original farming implements on the site and the school still has some of the original desks. Park rangers lead tours from May to late October so that you can learn much more about the history of this intriguing place.
The Chadwell Gap Trail in Kentucky is usually rather secluded. Be sure to check with AllTrails for any closures and updates. For the most current information on tours, check with the National Park Service. For another lovely spot in the area, check out this Sand Cave in Kentucky.
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