Copyright: Tennessee State Parks
Cumberland Trail State Park
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Description - On June 22, 1998, Gov. Don Sundquist announced the creation of the Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee's 53rd State Park and the only state park of its kind. Upon completion, the Cumberland Trail State Park -- the state's only linear park -- will be 230 miles, cutting through 10 Tennessee counties from the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park on the
Tennessee-Virginia-Kentucky border, to the Signal Point near Chattanooga.
Attractions
- The Cumberland Mountain segment traverses the ridges of Cumberland Mountain from Cumberland Gap to Cove Lake State Park. Currently, the Eagle Bluff unit is open and extends 10 miles from Big Creek Gap near LaFollette, TN, to Cove Lake State Park at Caryville.
An additional two miles of the trail have been completed in the Cumberland Gap Military Park. This unit represents the northern end of the Trail. There are 11.3 miles of trail open on the Grassy Cove Segment of the Cumberland Trail. The trail traverses Brady and Black Mountains, which are remnants of the Crab Orchard Mountains. The hiker is rewarded with unspoiled views of Grassy Cove, a karst limestone sink, and the surrounding mountains. The trail winds through upland dry ridge forests covered in chestnut oak,
sassafras, maple, sourwood, and black gum. Chestnut sprouts grow along the trail as well. The Tennessee River Gorge Section is one of the most beautiful segments on the Cumberland Trail system. There are 13 miles of completed trail located in the Prentice Cooper State Forest, with striking overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge. The CT will terminate at the historic Signal Point in Signal Mountain, TN. The Obed Wild and Scenic River Section of the Cumberland Trail is currently under construction. When completed, it will extend more than 17 miles through the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Recreational Park and the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. Currently, two portions - a total of seven miles - of the Trail are complete.
Recreation - This trail provides a backpacking route through Tennessee. Climate - Tennessee has a temperate climate with short, mild winters. The average annual snowfall for the state is 12 inches. Spring comes in early March bringing flowering trees and shrubs, and warmer weather. Spring temperatures average between 45 and 70 degrees. Summer's full force arrives in the region by mid May, bringing warm weather and higher humidity. The mountains of eastern Tennessee are a great place to escape the hot summer temperatures as the higher elevation cools the air slightly. Cool fall temperatures bring crisp air and brilliant fall colors. Mid to late October is a good time to visit the region to experience the fall foliage. Location -
When completed, the Cumberland Trail State Park will run 230 miles, from Signal Mountain to Claiborne. The Park/trail runs along the eastern region of Tennessee north/south.
LAT: 35.954233
LONG: -85.038589
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