Hensley Settlement

Mountaintop Isolation

State: Tennessee County: Claiborne County Founded: 1903 Abandoned: 1951 Peak Population: 100+

Hensley Settlement was an isolated community on Brush Mountain in Cumberland Gap. The Hensley and Gibbons families lived here from 1903 to 1951, farming and raising livestock without electricity or running water. The NPS preserves restored cabins.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Spring-Fall

Difficulty: Difficult (hike or shuttle)

Time Needed: Half day

Quick Facts

  • Lived without electricity
  • 3,400 feet elevation
  • NPS restored cabins

Location

Address: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Coordinates: 36.6167, -83.6833