Lake, created by an earthen dam in 1890, which provides water to the nearby town of Middlesboro, Kentucky. The area surrounding the lake was purchased by the park in four phases following the passage of the Fern Lake Conservation and Recreation Act, increasing the overall size of the park by 20%: Phases I and II, of land purchased in 2008 from Ataya Hardwoods by The Trust for Public Land and transferred to the park Phase III, of land purchased in 2009 from Molpus Woodlands Group Phase IV, of land purchased in 2009 from Molpus Woodlands Group As of 2010 there were plans to acquire an additional of land surrounding the lake. As of 2018 the park had an estimated $15 million in deferred maintenance. Accommodations The park includes a visitor center, renovated in 2004, which features a museum and auditorium, providing exhibits on the areas cultural and natural history, as well as book and gift shops. Guided tours of the Hensley Settlement and Gap Cave are provided from the tourist center. Around from the center, along the Skyland Road, lies the Pinnacle Overlook, which, at an elevation of , overlooks the gap and the surrounding country. There are of hiking trails, ranging from shorter routes such as the Sugar Run Trail, to the Ridge Trail, which spans the park and reaches an elevation of . The nearby Wilderness Road Campground includes 160 campsites. No hunting is permitted within the park. Tri-State Peak is located in the park, and is accessible by trail. A marker designating the tripoint of the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, is located at the peak of the mountain. Tourism The park saw 737,547 visitors in 2017, according to statistics by the National Park Service. According to one federal study, in 2013 visitor spending amounted to $46 million in nearby communities, supporting 639 local jobs. Peak rates of visitation normally occur during the seasons of spring, summer and fall. Recognition In 2017 the park received the Keeper of the Light Award from the Southeast Region of the National Park Service, which recognizes excellence in education. In 2016 the United States Mint released a commemorative quarter as part of the America the Beautiful series honoring the park. See also Big South Fork of the Cumberland River Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Lists of state parks by U.S. state List of areas in the United States National Park