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. This 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 as a project of the Farm Security Administration to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the Cumberland Plateau.

The Homestead Museum, located one mile from the park, depicts the Cumberland Homestead Community of the 1930's. This community built the park along with help from the CCC and WPA.

Boating

The park offers for rent paddleboats, canoes and row boats for use on Byrd Lake. The boat dock is open May-October. No private boats allowed on the lake.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Cabins

Rustic cabins are nestled in the woods at Cumberland Mountain State Park and have fully equipped kitchens, cable TV, fireplaces (except single cabins), linens, picnic tables and grills. Wood is provided for those cabins with fireplaces. Parking is provided in the front of each cabin.

Class A cabins can accommodate four people.
Class AA can accommodate six people.
Class AAA can accommodate ten people.

Coon Hollow Cabin- can accommodate six people. It has 2 bedrooms upstairs and 1 bedroom downstairs with a double bed in each bedroom. It is fully furnished with all cooking utensils, linens, fireplace, and central heat and air.

The Mill House cabin can accommodate up to 16 people.

Cabins may be reserved up to two years in advance.

Camping

Cumberland Mountain park has a combined total of 147 tent and RV campsites with hookups provided. Picnic tables, grills and a bathhouse facility are also provided. There is a $2 shower fee for non-campers. Seven adults are allowed to camp at each site. Reservations are not taken for campsites.

Fishing

The park offers fishing on Byrd Lake and visitors can expect catches of catfish, bass, bluegill and bream. Fishing from the bank is allowed except for posted areas.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Hiking Trails

The park offers several miles of moderate trails around the lake, creek and in the woods. Overnight camping is allowed on one of the trails. Trails are open year-round.

Hiking Map (.pdf format)

Meeting Facility

Meeting rooms are located downstairs in the restaurant. There are three meeting rooms that can accommodate from 100-150 people depending on setup.

Equipment available:

• Overhead projector
• Microphones
• Flip charts
• Screen
• Podium

Picnic Facilities

Picnic tables equipped with grills can be found throughout the park at the Recreation Lodge parking lot area, playground area, tennis court area and the boat dock area.

The park has four picnic pavilions that can be reserved for larger groups. Pavilions can be reserved up to one year in advance.

Restaurant

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The park's pride catfish is served on Fridays. Other features include seafood buffet, prime rib, pork chops and chicken. The buffet includes a full salad bar and other hot vegetables. Of course, you need to save room for various homemade desserts - especially the banana pudding, made from scratch!

Swimming

The parks' olympic size pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The pool has a diving well with 1-3 meter board and 1-1 meter board. Chairs, tables with umbrellas and a bathhouse are provided. There are picnic tables outside the pool area and a snack bar.

There is a lifeguard on duty.

Programs

Cumberland Mountain State Park provides interpretive programs June-August provided by the seasonal naturalist and seasonal recreation directors. The programs cover a broad spectrum of interests. Groups with specific interests can call the park to arrange special programs. Park rangers are available for programs on a year round basis.

Other Activities

Activities featured at the park include: badminton, basketball, horseshoes, playground, softball, tennis courts ( 4), and volleyball.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.