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, row boats, and fishing boats with electric trolling motor 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. Firewood is provided for those cabins with fireplaces, October 1 through April 30. 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 145 tent and RV campsites with hookups provided. Picnic tables, grills and a bathhouse facility are also provided. There is a $3 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

Golf

Situated in the heart of Tennessee's scenic Cumberland Plateau, The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain has been consistently recognized as a top course in the southeastern United States. The Jack Nicklaus signature layout features a design that capitalizes on elevation changes, as well as natural features, such as flowing brooks and clustered, mature pines. The course also incorporates another of the region's natural resources, layered flagstone, on the approach to its signature holes.

Click here for more information about the Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain or call 1-877-611-BEAR (2327).

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
• LCD projector
• Internet connection

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 park is renowned for the catfish it serves every Friday. Other features include seafood buffet, 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! Free WiFi to restaurant guests.Tour buses are welcome. For more information, call (931) 484-7186.

Check out the printable menu.

Cumberland Mtn. Restaurant Summer Schedule beginning April 1

  Monday: Closed
  Tuesday through Sunday: Lunch from 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. CT

Friday is our All You Can Eat Catfish (baked or fried) from 4:00-8:00 p.m. CDT

Saturday is our All You Can Eat Rib Night from 4:00-8:00 p.m. CDT

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: basketball, board games, horseshoes, playground, softball, tennis courts ( 4), and volleyball.

Swimming

All park public pools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, except Holiday weeks. Please call the park for those schedules. Cabin and camping guests will pay half price for admission to the pool. Operating schedule is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.