There are many things to do in Cumberland Mountain State Park. The park is located in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau near the city of Crossville. As a local, I often times find myself blessed to live so close to a place that may people travel many miles to visit. Maybe the beauty of the Cumberland Plateau is just a big secret that few have spilled the beans on. 🙂 I guess I’m just turning the can upside down by sharing some of these tips on visiting the Cumberland Mountain State Park and surrounding area then, huh?
The park officially opened in 1940 as a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal after the Great Depression. The Cumberland Homesteads Project was initiated to bring poverty stricken families to the area to help get them back on their feet again.
*You can read more about the park and surrounding history in the history museum located adjacent to the restaurant.
While I haven’t had much luck fishing myself here at Byrd Lake, I have seen others catch fish from the bank. You can fish anywhere along the bank except for the posted areas saying you cannot fish there (and definitely not the bridges). Byrd Lake is supposedly stocked with bluegill, catfish, trout (stocked in winter), and bass.
The photographic bridge in the park, built from the local area resources, is my favorite thing in the park. It is built of local sandstone and Crab Orchard stone. I have heard it may be the largest non-reinforced dam in the world. Before leaving the park, I suggest walking on the dam side (not the lake side) to see how the bridge is made (and get some cool pics!).
There are plenty of water activities you can participate in. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and fishing boats at the boat dock. (This was actually Chris’s first job!- He says be easy on the guys there. 🙂 ) It’s only open May to October but you are able to use your own personal kayaks and canoes on Byrd Lake.
Various sports courts, such as tennis, volleyball, and basketball, are available.
Hiking at the park is my absolute FAVORITE thing to do. There are hikes rated easy to difficult. My favorite easy hike is the Byrd Lake Trail (currently closed). When I have time, I enjoy the Pioneer Loop for it’s scenic views of the lake and rock formations. The difficult hike is the overnight trail that I have yet to try.
Click here for the Cumberland Mountain State Park trail map.
Biking at Cumberland Mountain State Park is a rather knew activity. The trail is a beginner level 1.5 mile to get bikers used to mountain biking before advancing into more difficult trails. *Helmets must be worn.
The park is a great place to take your dog for a walk and chances are you won’t be the only one with the same idea. Throughout the park you will find doggie litter bags to collect your pets droppings so that you and other hikers won’t step in it on the trails. This is just one way the park maintains the trails.
Enjoy a delicious meal overlooking Byrd lake at the Homestead Harvest Restaurant. This is the place to be after Sunday church services as their buffet is the best in the area. It is open every day except for Monday. Click here for a menu and more information.
*Local tip: Don’t forget to try their banana pudding!
On the back of the park is the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course Bear Trace. If you come to the area to golf, you can’t miss this beautiful 6,900 yard, par-72 layout course known for its beautiful natural features and elevation changes.
The olympic sized pool is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year. It features a one-meter and thirteen-meter diving board (the height of that thing STILL scares me! 🙂 ) and is 13 feet at its deepest.
I love to sit on a bench or swing and watch the wildlife. (My dog would love to have the chance to chase the geese!) The geese in the lake are my favorite as they swim and try to catch their food for the day. Don’t be surprised if you see a deer, heron, or snake (even on the same day!).
You can spend the night in one of the same cabins that I did as a Girl Scout!!! There are plenty of cabins from rustic to deluxe to choose from.
If you are wanting privacy, I suggest Coon Hollow or the ultra private Mill House cabin.
*Local tip: If you are staying in one of the cabins and want a quick way to get to the swings and playgrounds, here’s a tip! There’s a trail between cabins #2 and #3 that comes out behind the tennis courts and wheelchair accessible swings. Bonus- There’s a swinging bridge!
If you want to rough it a bit more, then there are plenty of campsites at Cumberland Mountain State Park that include hookups and other services.
The park has great playground equipment from slides to swings to things I wish I had when I was a kid. 🙂 There is even a wheelchair accessible swing with a weight limit of 700 pounds.
There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park for you to have a picnic. Bigger pavilions are available for events if necessary.
Whether you are an amateur or a pro, this state park is a beautiful place to take photos. Photographer lovers will enjoy the reflection of the colorful trees in the fall on the water. The bridge, filled with so much history, is pretty when it snows, too! Don’t forget to take photos of your loved ones as they smile and laugh as they enjoy their time in one of Tennessee’s most beautiful state parks.
If you are visiting the area, I recommend a visit to the nearby Homestead Tower, as well. It is located just before you get to park and features a lot of the area’s history. You can climb the 97 stairs to the top of the tower for a great view of the surrounding Homestead area. Click here to learn more about the Homestead Tower.
Cumberland Mountain State Park hosts community events throughout the year. I suggest following their Facebook page to keep up with the park happenings.
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