The Longest Tunnel in Tennessee Is a 4,600-Foot Modern Miracle

Key Points:

• The Cumberland Gap Tunnel in Tennessee holds the distinction of being the state’s longest tunnel, stretching for approximately 4,600 feet, or almost a mile.
• The history of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel is intertwined with the colonial era and a significant event known as “Massacre Mountain,” adding a layer of intrigue to its story.
• Situated near the junction of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel lies beneath the majestic Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

Tennessee has a lot of mountainous regions and tough terrain, and tunnels are the perfect way to get through it all. Today, we will look at the longest tunnel in Tennessee and learn a bit about its history. Plus, we are going to see why this tunnel helped rename a region previously known as “Massacre Mountain.” Let’s get into it.

The Longest Tunnel in Tennessee

The longest tunnel in Tennessee is the Cumberland Gap Tunnel which is 4,600 feet long, or nearly a mile. The tunnel is a “twin-bore,” which means two separate tunnels are next to one another for opposing traffic flow. It has a total of four lanes and brings the U.S. Route 25E highway under the forested hills of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, right near the tri-state intersection of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It rides under the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, just outside Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.

It officially opened to vehicles in 1996 to replace a dangerous section of road that ran through Cumberland Gap with the nickname “Massacre Mountain.” The nickname didn’t come from violence, murders, or anything like that, but because of the poor road conditions, road signage, and frequency of accidents on the road.

The History of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel has a long and interesting history that dates back to the colonial era and relates to something known as “Massacre Mountain”.

The Cumberland Gap was a natural break in the Appalachian Mountains and operates as an important passage for pioneers, explorers, and settlers who wanted to travel west of the mountains. The first European to discover the gap was Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750, who named it after the Duke of Cumberland. Famous figures like Daniel Boone later blazed a trail through the gap in 1775, known as the Wilderness Road. In fact, the Daniel Boone National Forest is located just to the northwest of the tunnel system. The gap was also a strategic point during the Civil War, as both sides tried to control it for travel.

However, the road through the gap was narrow, steep, and dangerous, and it earned the nickname “Massacre Mountain” because of the frequent accidents and attacks. In 1956, the National Park Service proposed a tunnel under the gap to improve the road and preserve the historical and natural features of the area. After years of studies, planning, and construction, 1996 saw the tunnel’s competition and opening.

Today, more than 24,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel every day.

Where is the Longest Tunnel in Tennessee Located on a Map?

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel is located near the intersection of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, under the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The tunnel brings the U.S. Route 25E and SR 32 highway system through Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and out into Middlesboro, Kentucky. The tunnel is one of only two mountain tunnels (for cars) in the United States that cross state lines. The other is the East River Mountain Tunnel near the Virginia and West Virginia border.

Gap Creek flows along the Highway’s south side as it leads to the tunnel, and Tipperel Road travels over it. As you approach the tunnel, it seems to disappear into the side of the mountain. The tunnel’s appearance features it ringed by trees and greenery above it, offering many a pretty cool experience. The tunnel is 4,600 feet long. Inside the tunnel, the speed limit is 45 mph on most days; therefore, it takes around 1:10 seconds to traverse the entire tunnel without stopping or slowing down.

Wildlife Near the Cumberland Gap Tunnel

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel includes a diverse wildlife habitat that attracts hikers and animals alike. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which covers the tunnel and the nearby mountain pass for acres, supports a wide variety of wildlife, including:

The region is pretty reflective of the mountain region of Tennessee since it is a part of the Appalachian Mountains. The park offers the standard hiking, camping, and trail activities that should be standard across other parks in the area. In fact, a hiking trail travels directly over the tunnel known as the Tru-State Trail that straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee Border. However, only vehicles may enter the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. The park doesn’t permit pedestrians or bikes within the tunnel at any time.