Last Updated on July 21, 2025
Located within the picturesque Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, this cozy 18th century bed and breakfast inn oozes with history and rustic mountain charm.
The town of Cumberland Gap in Claiborne County is a small hamlet nestled against the towering Cumberland Mountain Ridge where the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia converge. At the Olde Mille Inn, you can literally step out the front door to explore 85 miles of National Historic Park trails.
Although the village only has about 300 residents, it sports a small downtown with boutique shops, coffee houses, and restaurants. Situated beneath the famous mountain pass of the same name, this tiny, completely-walkable Appalachian community sits at the crossroads of America’s westward migration. The downtown comprised of a few blocks has been designated the Cumberland Gap Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Olde Mill Inn Location and Property
The Olde Mill Inn sits along a mountain stream on the back edge of the town under the shadow of Cumberland Mountain.
The origins of the inn back to the late 1700s as the inn consists of portions of a water-powered grist mill, barn and pioneer cabin. Throughout the years, the building fell into disrepair, but in 1919, a new proprietor purchased the property and painstakingly restored it. Today, the inn remains much like it was more than two centuries ago with original beams and preserved interiors that now house dining areas and guest rooms.
A cozy parlor with mountain and pioneer-themed décor and artifacts welcomes guests with comfortable seating, a big-screen TV, coffee table with games and reading material.
The quaint, two-floor, eight-room venue offers accommodations ranging from an authentic 1700s log cabin to a king-sized custom millwork room, all with lovely private baths.
The Cabin features original wide wood plank flooring, a stone fireplace, sleigh bed and a jetted tub. Other themed rooms include the Creekside, Daniel Boone, Front Parlor, Nana’s, Pinnacle, The Suite and the Thomas Walker Annex. Each room is unique and thoughtfully furnished, can sleep two, and all feature rustic interiors, antiques, and authentic touches that make guests feel as if they’ve stepped into the 18th century.
Visitors can also rent the entire house for a special occasion.
A seated sumptuous southern breakfast is served every morning at 9 a.m. to guests at a massive antique custom-made plank table in the dining room. Before sitting down to eat, I enjoyed my first cup of coffee on a lovely deck with a fireplace listening to the babbling sounds of the mountain creek. Breakfast items change but typically include stuffed French toast, a blueberry pancake bake, egg bake, cheese grits, biscuits and gravy and fresh fruit.
Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water is available in the dining room or refreshment bar 24 hours a day.
Unique Historic Features
The old water wheel is the iconic feature of the inn though it no longer operates. But it is a symbol of the property’s grist mill past and located on picturesque Gap Creek.
An outdoor deck with fireplace offers guests a quiet creek side place to relax in Adirondack chairs or enjoy high and low tables with umbrellas for added shade. The exterior of the inn is adorned with Appalachian artifacts including a Confederate Civil War regiment headquarters plaque.
Local Exploration
The entire town of Cumberland Gap is a slice of Americana caught in a time warp. Visitors are encouraged to explore this fascinating three-square-mile hamlet.
Gap Creek Coffee Shop is a great venue for breakfast and lunch. The bustling café located in a historic country house was especially frequented by early birds. Angelo’s in the Gap on downtown main street is popular with locals and visitors alike featuring pizza, Italian food, beer on tap and live music. Across the street Nineteen 19 Grill & Bar is the town’s premier sit-down restaurant and does a lively business.
Additionally, Cumberland Gap has its own postage-stamp-sized post office and a city hall community center. Visitors can also browse in several boutique shops scattered throughout town including Whistle Stop Antiques, the Hillfolk Herb Shop & Grocery, and the Cumberland Gap Artist’s Co-Op.
Historians coming to this Appalachian neck of the woods will find the town of Cumberland Gap to be the ideal jumping off spot to delve into history and nature in America’s iconic colonial gateway to the west, the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
