Cove Lake State Park is located in Cumberland Plateau. It’s approximately 1.3 miles northeast of the town of Caryville and 24 miles from Montgomery. The city of Knoxville, TN is approximately 31.5 miles from the state park.
There are 606 acres of park located along Cove Lake. Guests have access to the park year-round, but the full selection of visitor services will only be available from May through October. It’s an excellent location for camping, with over 100 primitive and RV campsites for overnight visitors.
Cove lake is surrounded by a mountain valley setting. This creates a great habitat for many types of fish in the lake, like crappie and bass. It’s a very popular area for fishing. People also enjoy bird-watching to see the different species of birds that migrate to the area.
Activities
Cove Lake State Park is a great place to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife and birdwatching. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the hiking trails or go for a bike ride along the paved trails.
Visitors can find plenty of fun ways to enjoy their time at Cove Lake State Park. If you’re in the area, you can visit the park for a few hours of activity. However, if you want to stay longer, you can reserve a campsite to stay for a few days.
Let’s take a closer look at what activities are available at Cove Lake State Park.
Paddling at Cove Lake State Park
One of the most popular activities at Cove Lake State Park is paddling. The park has kayaks available to rent. Guests are also allowed to bring their own kayak or canoe, but they will have to pay a launch fee of $8 before they enter.
Only hard-structured boats are allowed in the lake. This is because Lake Cove is shallow. There is a risk of damage if someone were to use an inflatable float in the lake.
Hiking at Cove Lake State Park
Hiking is another popular activity at Cove Lake State Park. There are 3 different hiking trails for different skill levels. Throughout these trails, guests can explore over 3 miles of breathtaking scenery, including the lake, mountain views, and forestry.
Visitors that want to continue their hiking journey off of the park will be able to connect to Cumberland Trail from the Volunteer trail.
Here are some of the trails at Cove Lake State Park:
- The Paved Trail – an easy loop trail that is 3.8 miles in length.
- The Dam Trail – an easy trail that is 1 mile long.
- The Volunteer Trail – a moderate loop trail that is 1.55 miles in length.
Biking at Cove Lake State Park
Biking is a great way to enjoy the sights of Cove Lake State Park. Visitors are allowed to ride bikes along the Paved Trail. This path takes guests throughout the park and along the lake, allowing them to take in the natural beauty.
Fishing at Cove Lake State Park
Fishing is available year-round at Cove Lake State Park. A general fishing license is required to fish at Lake Cove. Guests that are interested in fishing will be able to rent a jon boat to use on the lake. They are welcome to bring their own electric trolling motor to use on the boat they rent.
Guests may also use their own kayak or canoe for fishing on Cove Lake. They will have to pay an $8 launching fee. If guests don’t want to use a boat, there are several areas around the park where they can fish shoreside.
Early morning is the best time to catch fish at Cove Lake State Park. Some of the fish that are frequently caught in this lake include Bluegill, crappie, catfish, and bass, among many more.
Nature & Wildlife at Cove Lake State Park
The most popular form of wildlife to spot at Cove Lake State Park is birds. Many bird species migrate to this area year-round. There are over 100 different bird species that come to this lake, including Canadian geese, great blue herons, brown creepers, song sparrows, and many more.
There are several areas throughout the park that make it easier to spot birds. One of the key points of interest is the tower located along the trails. There are also some great spots along the pier and bridges to see birds.
Are Pets Allowed At Cove Lake State Park?
Cove Lake State Park is a dog-friendly park. Visitors are allowed to bring their pets into the park, but there are a few rules they will be required to follow. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times when they are in the park.
Guests will have to keep their pets with them, as they aren’t allowed to be unattended in the park. Pets are allowed in all outdoor areas of the park, but they aren’t allowed inside any of the park’s buildings. Guests will also be responsible for any pet waste.
Camping at Cove Lake State Park
Camping is available year-round at Cove Lake State Park. There are over 100 campsites to choose from. The campgrounds at this state park have a nearly perfect rating. It’s known for being well-maintained, clean, and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
There are campgrounds for both tent and RV setups. The campsites for RVs have access to electricity and water hookups. On-site, there is access to WIFI, washrooms, showers, and drinking water. There are also firepits and firewood available.
The campsites are very easy to access. Many of the sites are designed so guests can drive right up to them. However, they are also easy to get to by walking from the parking lot. There are also 5 handicapped sites available with access to electricity hookups.
At the campsites, there is access to picnic tables and grills. There are also 6 large picnic sections with sheltered pavilions. These pavilions are available to rent for gatherings.
Park Location
Cove Lake State Park
110 Cove Lake Lane
Caryville, TN 37714
Phone: 423.566.9701
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video that gives a review of Cove Lake State Park:
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