From the Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance -
The Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance (CGTA) proudly announces the Boone Trace 250 Commemorative Relay Hike, a landmark event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone’s historic 1775 journey blazing the first road into Kentucky.
This special relay hike will follow Boone Trace, retracing the footsteps of pioneers who shaped America’s western frontier. This event is part of the nationwide lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence in 2026.
America250, a congressionally established organization, is coordinating commemorative celebrations across the country to honor our vibrant history. One of the pivotal events in forming our nation was Daniel Boone’s trek from Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee to build Fort Boonesborough in Richmond, Kentucky, blazing a path that became the first and most significant overland migration route into Kentucky and the Midwest.
Over 30 years, an estimated 250,000 settlers followed Boone’s Trace westward. The Boone Trace 250 Commemorative Relay Hike will take place from April 23 to June 7, 2025, and will feature a relay-style hike covering the original Boone Trace route as close as possible from Kingsport, Tennessee, through Cumberland Gap, and into Kentucky.
As part of the event, a commemorative axe will be relayed along the trail, passing from one team to another at designated intervals. The event will begin with a kickoff ceremony at Netherland Inn in Kingsport on April 23rd, and conclude with the arrival of the axe at Fort Boonesborough State Park on June 7th.
Along the way, communities will host special events celebrating the trail’s history:
● April 25-26 – Into the Wilderness - Anderson Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park.
● May 3-4 – Virginia: America’s First Frontier - at Wilderness Road State Park.
● May 10-11 – Blazing Trails and Tall Tales: Boone Trace 250 Years Later - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
● May 12 - Arrival in Kentucky! Middlesboro, KY welcomes the hikers with a grand event involving the mayor, school presentations and a marching band!
● June 7 – The 250th Anniversary of the Settling of Kentucky - Fort Boonesborough State Park
“Boone Trace was the gateway to the West, and this relay hike is a powerful way to celebrate that legacy while promoting outdoor recreation and historic preservation,” said John Miele, President of the Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance. “We’re excited to bring together hikers, historians, and communities to commemorate this milestone.”
Participants will have the opportunity to hike designated segments of the trail, engage in historical programs, and experience the scenic beauty of the Appalachian frontier. The relay will feature guest speakers, period reenactors, and special events at key historic sites along the route. The CGTA is organizing this event in collaboration with local trail organizations, communities, parks, and historical societies to ensure an immersive and educational experience.
Registration and additional details, including segment assignments and event schedules, are available at www.BooneTrace250.com.
For hike information, please contact hike@BooneTrace250.com