One of the earliest references to Cumberland Gap (the song) was published by author Horace Kephart (1862-1931) in his 1913 book, Our Southern Highlanders. Kephart recalled taking part in a bear hunt that took place circa 1904-1906 in the Great Smoky Mountains. While waiting for weather conditions to improve, members of the hunting party sang ballets to pass the time. Kephart transcribed the opening stanzas to several of these songs, including a version of Cumberland Gap sung by Hazel Creek bear hunter Little John Cable: