Cumberland Mountain State Park is located on the Cumberland Plateau, approximately 120 miles east of the city of Nashville, 69 miles west of Knoxville, and 5 miles south of Crossville.
This Tennessee State Park is a segment of the great upland, extending from western New York to central Alabama. The park covers an area of 1,720 acres and surrounds the man-made Byrd Lake.
Various recreational activities include swimming, hiking, picnicking and educational programs. Also, golfing is a must on the Jack Nicklaus signature course.
Cumberland Mountain State Park offers camping and cabin accommodations, making it an ideal vacation destination for every traveler.
Activities
The lake and swimming pool are the main attraction of the park. However, there are plenty of other activities, such as biking, fishing, and bird watching. Also, the Homestead Harvest Restaurant on Byrd Lake is perfect for a cold refreshment or well-deserved lunch after a morning hike.
Whether you are visiting for the day, planning a weekend getaway, or taking a family vacation, Cumberland Mountain State Park has everything to ensure a relaxing and fun experience.
Education at Cumberland Mountain State Park
The park offers exciting and educational programs for students of all ages. The experienced Park Rangers cover general biology, outdoor recreation, park history, and flora and fauna species.
Each class is highly interactive, and you gain a wealth of knowledge about the park.
Boating at Cumberland Mountain State Park
The lake is accessible for various boating options from the boat dock. There is a lake permit fee of $6.00 (USD) for personally-owned Kayaks, paddleboards, johnboats, and canoes.
The park offers rentals for paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing boats with electric trolling motors.
Depending on the season and weather, the boat dock is open on weekends only from 8 am to 5 pm or 5:30 pm.
Anyone participating in boating activities is encouraged to bring their own life jacket or approved personal floatation device.
Biking At Cumberland Mountain State Park
There are approximately 4 miles of unpaved mountain bike trails at the park. Each track varies in jump lines, technical downhill lines, and grow skills. Here are the tracks available, depending on your expertise and requirements:
- Alley Cat – popular and moderate one-direction singletrack this is 2 miles long
- Devil Dog – popular and moderate both-direction singletrack that is 0.995 miles long
- Peter Rabbit – popular and moderate both-direction single track; this is 450 feet in length
- Rock City – less popular black diamond both-direction singletrack that is 413 feet in length
- Hurricane – less popular black diamond one-direction singletrack that is 558 feet in length
Helmets are essential, and no hiking is permitted on the bike trails.
Swimming at Cumberland Mountain State Park
The Parks’ Olympic swimming pool is 3 feet in the shallow end and 13 feet in the deep end. There are two diving boards; one is 3.4 feet and the other 3.6 feet.
The pool has a swim lane for lap exercise alongside a wading pool for children. The pool area has tables with umbrellas, chairs, and a bathhouse. There are picnic tables outside the pool area and a snack bar.
The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5:45 pm.
There is a lifeguard.
Golfing at Cumberland Mountain State Park
The Bear Trace Golf Course has gained several top accolades from golfing magazines. Today, it is one of the most sought-after courses in Tennessee. The 6,900-yard, par 72 Jack Nicklaus’ design has flowing streams and clustered established pine trees.
On-site amenities include a practice green, a driving range, a snack bar, and club rental facilities.
Hiking at Cumberland Mountain State Park
There are a variety of hiking opportunities available in the park. Each offers spectacular natural surroundings and caters to families with young children to avid hiker enthusiasts.
Here are some of the trails at Cumberland Mountain State Park from shortest to longest:
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Byrd Lake Trail – 0.50 miles (Easy)
This trail is excellent for viewing waterfowl and songbirds. The flexible porous pavements make it accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. -
Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail – 0.85 miles (Easy to moderate)
With a variety of wildflowers all year round, this trail is ideal for forest fanatics. Expect spectacular views of the CCC Dam and Mill House Lodge. -
Pioneer Short Loop Trail – 1.80 miles (Easy)
The park’s most popular trail stretches along the banks of Byrd Lake to the famous swinging bridge. The view from Picnic rock is incredible. Expect to walk on rock steps initially put in by the Civil Conservation Corps. -
Byrd Creek Trail – 2.00 miles (Easy to moderate)
The entire hike follows the banks of Byrd Creek. Several sections have tree-top canopies of hemlock trees, making it a cool hiking experience. -
Pioneer Loop Trail – 2.55 miles (Moderate)
This trail follows Byrd Creek going upstream and crosses the one-lane sandstone arch bridge built by the CCC. There are a variety of rock outcrops and overhangs alongside beautiful flora and fauna. -
Overnight trail – 5.95 miles (Moderate to difficult)
This 6-mile loop trail goes through dense forest. Expect to cross a swinging bridge, creeks, and streams. Register for the overnight camping along the trail before departure.
Fishing At Cumberland Mountain State Park
The park permits fishing from the bank of Byrd Lake. Keen fishermen can expect to catch catfish, bass, bluegill, and bream. Also, fishing boat rentals are available from the boat dock. Clear signage for non-designated areas is in place.
Bait is sold at the park, and tackle and fishing licenses are available off-site.
Birding at Cumberland Mountain State Park
The park is home to some one-hundred and five species of birds. Birding enthusiasts can expect to see herons, belted kingfishers, and migrating ducks from the lake shoreline.
In the summer spot, yellow-billed cuckoo, wood thrush, warblers, and scarlet tanager, to name a few. Year-round bird visitors include red-tailed hawks, woodpeckers, American goldfinch, and several more.
Pets At Cumberland Mountain State Park
Pets are welcome in designated cabins only. There is an additional charge of $20 (USD) per pet per night.
Camping At Cumberland Mountain State Park
The park has five camping and RV areas. Up to 7 adults can camp on one site and may have one or two tents alongside one camper.
Only one campsite is not ADA (American Disability Act) approved. There are thirty and 50-amp, and standard 110-volt hookups.
Clean bathhouse facilities, picnic tables, and grills are provided. Firewood is sold on-site, as untreated wood is not permitted.
Some nearby camping grounds in Crossville include:
Cabins At Cumberland Mountain State Park
The historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabins showcase the beauty and heritage of the park. Located just a few minutes off the I-40, they are the ideal accommodation to capture the essence of Cumberland Mountain State Park while enjoying modern amenities.
There is a maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights from March to November and 28 nights from December to February. Approval for extended nights must be done via the Director or Operations or the Director of Hospitality.
Park Location
Cumberland Mountain State Park
24 Office Dr.
Crossville, TN 38555
Phone: 931.484.6138
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cumberland Mountain State Park:
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