Cumberland Mountain State Park is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, a segment of the great upland, which extends from western New York to central Alabama. It is said to be the largest timbered plateau in America. Cumberland Mountain State Park began as part of the greater Cumberland Homesteads Project, a New Deal-era initiative by the Resettlement Administration that helped relocate poverty-stricken families on the Cumberland Plateau to small farms centered on what is now the Cumberland Homestead community. This 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the Cumberland Plateau.
The park is located around Byrd Lake, a man-made lake created by the impoundment of Byrd Creek in the 1930s. The park provides numerous recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, picnicking and interpretive programs. The park also features a popular area restaurant and separate recreation hall that can accommodate up to 250 people.
Cumberland Mountain State Park has many options for overnight accommodations. There are numerous fully furnished cabins available throughout the year. The campground has more than 140 campsites for tents and RVs. There is also a designated place on the overnight trail for backcountry camping.
The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain Golf Course is one of the most sought-after sites among the Jack Nicklaus designed Bear Trace courses in Tennessee. The 6,900-yard, par 72 layout features a design that capitalizes on elevation changes as well as natural features, such as flowing brooks and clustered, mature pines.
Activities
PADDLING
The park rents paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, and pedal boats for use on Byrd Lake. The boat dock is open Memorial Day to the end of October, weather permitting. Personal kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are also allowed.
BIKING
Cumberland County’s first dedicated mountain bike trail is a 1.5 - mile beginner-rated trail.
BOATING
The park rents fishing boats with electric trolling motors for use on Byrd Lake. The boat dock is open Memorial Day to the end of October, weather permitting. Seasonal hours for the boat dock begin Aug. 13.
SWIMMING
The Olympic-sized pool at Cumberland Mountain State Par has a one-meter and a three-meter diving board. The shallow end is three feet deep and the deep end is 13 feet deep.
GOLFING
Situated in the heart of Tennessee’s scenic Cumberland Plateau, the Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain is one of the most sought-after sites among the Jack Nicklaus designed Bear Trace courses in Tennessee.
HIKING
The park has approximately 14 miles of trail around the lake, creek and through the woods. Hikes range from easy to moderate day or overnight hiking experiences. Trail maps are available at the park office.
FISHING
Bass, Bluegill and catfish can be caught year round from the park’s 35 acre Byrd Lake. Trout are stocked during the winter and bank fishing is allowed except for posted areas.
BIRDING
Herons, belted kingfishers, and ducks in migration or wintering can be seen from the lakeshore.
Campground
TENT & RV SITES
Cumberland Mountain has a combined total of 145 tent and RV campsites with hookups provided. Thirty and 50-amp service and standard 110-volt outlets are available. The Area 4 campsites and bathhouse are not handicap accessible. Handicap accessible sites and bathhouses are available in Camping Areas 1, 2, 3 and 5. In Areas 2, 3, and 5, tents are not allowed on the grass.
OVERNIGHT TRAIL
An overnight backpacking campsite is available on our eight-mile backpacking trail. This hike-in campsite located on the Overnight Trail, which is accessed by hiking the Byrd Creek Trail. The Overnight Trail is a six-mile loop through the forest, rated moderate to difficult. You should be prepared to cross a swinging bridge and several creeks and streams. This is a primitive site.
