Cumberland Mountain State Park begins in Crossville, Tennessee. It is one of the more important attractions in Tennessee because of the Cumberland Caverns. Cumberland Caverns are one of the oldest places to find North American traces of human life. The caverns are also one point of interest in the entire park worth visiting. There are other points of interest and attractions at the state park.
Cumberland Mountain is open from 7am to 10pm to visitors. It is open year round. To reach the park visitors can take Interstate 40 to Highway 127. Cumberland Mountain State Park sits on the Cumberland Plateau. The entire range reaches from western New York to central Alabama. The plateau is one of the largest timbered plateaus in America. The state park makes up 1720 acres of land in Tennessee. It originally became a park in 1938 when the Farm Security Administration acquired the land. They opened it up for recreation for the 250 families homesteading on the plateau.
One mile from the park is the Homestead Museum. This museum shows the community of the 1930's. Visitors can enjoy the museum before or after they spend time in the park boating, fishing, camping and doing other recreational things. Boating in Cumberland Mountain State Park is possible from May to October. Paddleboats, canoes, and row boats are available for use, but no private boats are allowed. No motorized boats are allowed either. Byrd Lake is fairly shallow and best for fishing. Tennessee boating regulations must be followed by those using the lake and the boats.
For visitors wishing to stay in Cumberland Mountain there are cabins or campsites. The cabins are rustic affairs built of wood, which sit in the forest. They are all equipped with kitchens, television, fireplaces, linens, picnic tables, and grills. There are a variety of sizes in cabins to accommodate large parties. Camping is made possible by the 147 tent and RV sites. These sites have picnic tables and grills, and a bathhouse is on site.
Fishing at Byrd Lake is a popular pastime for campers. Catfish, bass, and bream are three types of fish visitors may catch. A Tennessee fishing license is necessary. For individuals not interested in fishing, boating or camping there are hiking trails. The trails are moderate to difficult. One trail will go around the lake, while others will go by a creek and through the woods. Overnight camping is allowed on one of the trails and the trails are open year round.
Also within the state park are meeting facilities. There are three meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 150 people depending on the setup. An overhead projector, microphones, flip charts, screen, and podium are available. The rooms are used by the park for educational programs and also by others who need space for talks. The picnic facilities not at the camp area are set up at the parking lots, playground, tennis courts, and boat dock area. There is a restaurant onsite that serves fish, chicken, and pork chops.
