Cumberland Mountain State Park | Gatlinburg

Cumberland Mountain State Park is located in Crossville, Tennessee, which is approximately 100 miles west of Gatlinburg-about a two-hour drive-so it is not in the immediate vicinity of Gatlinburg or the Great Smoky Mountains area. While Cumberland Mountain State Park is a valuable and beautiful destination within Tennessee, it is situated on the Cumberland Plateau rather than the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley region where Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lie.

About Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park covers roughly 1,720 acres on the Cumberland Plateau, a scenic highland region known for its rugged terrain, sandstone cliffs, and dense hardwood forests. The park was established during the 1930s as part of the New Deal efforts by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), leaving a legacy of historically significant stonework and cabins.

The park centers around Byrd Lake, a peaceful, man-made lake created by the impoundment of Byrd Creek. This lake is a focal point for recreation and natural beauty within the park’s hilly and forested landscape.

Key Features and Attractions

Byrd Lake: The serene lake offers fishing (stocked with bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill) and non-motorized boating such as paddle boats and canoes, providing a tranquil setting amid forested hills.

Hiking Trails: Several miles of trails traverse the park, winding through hardwood forests, along creeks, and around Byrd Lake. Notable trails include:

Pioneer Trail: Approximately 5 miles, a moderate loop through diverse forest habitats.

Byrd Creek Trail: A 2.1-mile trail following the creek, featuring scenic overlooks.

Cumberland Plateau Trail: About 1 mile, showcasing the plateau’s unique geology and vegetation.

Mountain Biking: The park includes approximately 4 miles of mountain biking trails with varying difficulty, including technical single-track sections and downhill features.

Golf Course: The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a challenging 18-hole course featuring elevation changes, natural streams, and mature pine and hardwood trees.

Swimming Pool and Sports Facilities: An Olympic-sized pool with a dedicated children’s area, along with tennis courts, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball, and playgrounds.

Camping and Cabins: The park offers over 140 campsites with electric hookups, plus 37 fully equipped rustic cabins with kitchens and fireplaces, blending comfort with nature.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Cumberland Mountain State Park is recognized for its well-preserved CCC-era craftsmanship. The park’s stone cabins, Byrd Creek Dam, and other structures are exemplary examples of rustic architecture and represent the legacy of 1930s federal work programs that provided jobs and infrastructure during the Great Depression.

The dam itself is the largest masonry structure built by the CCC in the United States, highlighting the park’s historical importance beyond its recreational offerings.

Accessibility from Gatlinburg

Due to its location on the Cumberland Plateau, Cumberland Mountain State Park is not considered a nearby or convenient day-trip destination for visitors based in Gatlinburg or the Great Smoky Mountains area. Visitors interested in exploring parks near Gatlinburg typically focus on:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (immediately adjacent to Gatlinburg)

Foothills Parkway scenic drives

Nearby state parks such as Cove Lake State Park (about 20 miles from Gatlinburg) or Roan Mountain State Park (about 50 miles away)

For travelers interested in Tennessee’s diverse landscapes and park systems, Cumberland Mountain State Park offers a different geological and cultural experience from the Smokies but requires dedicated travel westward from Gatlinburg.

Summary

Cumberland Mountain State Park is a well-equipped and historically significant park on the Cumberland Plateau, featuring hiking, boating, mountain biking, golfing, and rustic accommodations. It is celebrated for its CCC-built infrastructure and tranquil natural settings. However, it is located roughly 100 miles west of Gatlinburg, making it more suitable for visitors traveling through central Tennessee or those seeking a distinct plateau environment rather than the mountainous terrain around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For detailed exploration of parks near Gatlinburg, options within or directly adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are more accessible and directly relevant to that region.