Upper Cumberland Tourism Association

National Parks | State Parks and Natural Areas | Lakes | Scenic Drives

The Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee is blessed with an abundance of public lands and waters. Nine state parks are scattered about the region. These include: Burgess Falls, Cordell Hull, Cumberland Mountain, Edgar Evins, Fall Ccreek Falls, Pickett, Rock Island, Sergeant Alvin C. York, and Standing Stone. State natural areas include Colditz Cove and Ozone Falls. The Big South Fork Natural River & Recreation Area also lies within the region. With Center Hill, Cordell Hull, and Dale Hollow lakes, you are never too far away from cool, refreshing waters. A new addition to public lands in the region is the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness.

National Parks

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries pass through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range of natural and historic features. The area offers a broad range of recreational opportunities including camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.

For More Information:
423-286-7275
Website

State Parks and Natural Areas

Sergeant Alvin C. York Historic Park

SERGEANT ALVIN C. YORK HISTORIC PARK: Located on US Highway 127 at Pall Mall, this 343 acre historic park is in the scenic Wolf River Valley. The site includes the home, grist mill and gravesite of World War I hero Sergeant Alvin C. York.

The home is now a museum and guided tours are given. There is a playground and picnic facilities on the grist mill grounds.

For More Information:
931-879-4026.
Website

Bridgestone / Firestone Centennial Wilderness

Bridgestone/Firestone’s gift of 10,000-acres is a TWRA Wildlife Management Area in historic Scott's Gulf. It offers waterfalls, 26 mile hiking trail, bluffs overlooking Caney Fork River Gorge and 9 primitive backpacking campgrounds. Adjacent to Virgin Falls Trail. Directions: Follow Hwy. 70 East of Sparta 11 mi.; turn right (South) at Eastland Rd. & travel 8 mi. to the BFCW ranch entrance or turn right on Scott's Gulf Rd., travel 2 mi. to 1st trailhead.

For More Information:
931-836-3552
Website

Burgess Falls State Park

A 135 acre day use park. Between Cookeville and Sparta on Highway 135. On the Falling Water River, the park has miles of nature trails and, of course, the cascading Burgess Falls.

Fishing and hiking are activities that can be enjoyed year 'round in this park. There are picnic shelters and a playground.

For More Information:
931-432-5312.
Website

Cordell Hull Birthplace Historic Park

CORDELL HULL BIRTHPLACE HISTORIC PARK: Located at 1300 Cordell Hull Memorial Drive, off Highway 111, near Byrdstown.

Museum with pictures, letters, books, other memorabilia from the life and career of Cordell Hull, Secretary of State in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Also on the grounds is Hull's log cabin boyhood home.

For More Information:
931-864-3247.
Website

Cumberland Mountain State Park

CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN: A 1,562 acre rustic park. About six miles south of Crossville on US Highway 127S and State Highway 101. Home of the new Bear Trace, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.

There are 36 cabins, a group lodge, 147 campsites, restaurant and meeting facilities. In addition to golf, boating, fishing, swimming and tennis are activities that are popular at this park.

For More Information:
931-484-6138.
Website

Colditz Cove Natural Area

Colditz Cove is a 165-acre natural area located approximately 2 miles east of Allardt, Tennessee in Fentress County. Its most impressive feature is Northrup Falls, which plunges more than 60 feet over a protruding rock ledge into a scenic, narrow, gorge along Big Branch Creek.

For More Information:
Website

Edgar Evins State Park

A 6,243 acre rustic park. On Highway 96, south of 1-40 exit 273. On Center Hill Lake. There are 34 cabins and 60 campsites.

There is a marina, camp store, picnic area, boat launch ramps, playground and hiking trails. This is a particularly scenic area with spectacular lake and mountain views.

For More Information:
931-858-2446.
Website

Fall Creek Falls State Park

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE RESORT PARK: Off Highway 111, sixteen miles south of Spencer. Over 20,000 acres of forestland, cliffs and gorges, streams and water falls.

Home of the majestic 256 foot Fall Creek Falls. Resort inn with meeting facilities, swimming pool, 18 hole golf course, lake.

Thirty cabins, 227 campsites. Golf, boating, fishing, swimming, tennis, hiking, and horseback riding are popular park activities.

For More Information:
423-881-5241 or 800/250-8610.
Website

Ozone Falls Natural Area

Ozone Falls is a 26-acre natural area in Cumberland County. It receives much visitation because of its close proximity to Interstate 40. Ozone Falls plunges 110 feet over a sandstone cap rock into a deep blue, rock-strewn pool. Fall Creek then disappears underground until it reemerges 300 feet downstream. An impressive rock house "amphitheater" can be seen behind the falls that was created over geologic time by wind, water, freeze/thaw,. and erosion. because of its picturesque beauty and easy access, Ozone Falls was selected for filming scenes for the movie "Jungle Book."

For More Information:
931-484-6138.
Website

Pickett State Park

Highway 154, northeast of Jamestown. 11,700 acres of timberland. Spectacular cliffs, natural bridges, caves. Small lake.

Twenty cabins, 32 campsites. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking and tennis are recreational options available in this park.

For More Information:
931-879-5821.
Website

Rock Island State Park

This 883 acre rustic park is located off US Highway 70 near the community of Rock Island, at the continence of the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers.

It's scenic beauty is highlighted by the Great Falls of the Caney Fork. The unique Spring Castle and Old Mill Building are located near the Falls.

There are ten modern cabins in a "village" setting and fifty campsites. Recreation options include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. There are picnic areas, playgrounds and tennis courts.

For More Information:
Website

Standing Stone State Park

This rustic park is comprised of 10,550 acres of scenic woods and waters. It is a short drive on Highway 136, just off Highway 52 between Livingston and Celina.

There are twenty-three cabins, a group lodge and thirty-five campsites. Popular park pasttimes include boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and hiking.

For More Information:
931-823-6347.
Website

Upper Cumberland Lakes

Center Hill Lake | Cordell Hull Lake | Dale Hollow Lake

Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake is a 64 mile long reservoir consisting of 415 miles of shoreline, and 18,200 acres of deep, pure water for many species of fish. Center Hill Dam is on the Caney Fork River.

Nearly all of the shoreline is undeveloped and natural. There are 3 gorgeous waterfalls and many excellent places to hike, swim, and camp.

For More Information:
Website - Website 2

Cordell Hull Lake

Cordell Hull Lake provides boaters with a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy their respective recreational interests. The lake’s 11,960 acres of water offer an opportunity for all types of recreation.

For More Information:
Website - Website 2

Dale Hollow Lake

Discover Dale Hollow Lake in Pickett County. One of the most spectacular places you've never heard of. Paradise for fishermen, photographers and more. Dale Hollow Lake is home to the World Record small mouth bass.

Directions: From I-40: take Hwy. 111 N. to Pickett County, follow signs to the area marinas & points of interest. From the North: take Hwy. 127 S. to the KY/TN border turn R. on Hwy. 111 S. then follow signs to the area marinas & points of interest.

For More Information:
Website - Website 2 - Website 3

Scenic Drives

Hwy 56 North to Hwy 151 takes us on a quiet adventure from Historic Gainesboro to Historic Red Boiling Springs. This drive follows the Cumberland River as it winds through the valley before the climb to Red Boiling Springs. Lush color and historic homes decorate the landscape. Gainesboro offers unique shopping and dining experiences on the square. Red Boiling Springs was once a busy vacation spot for those families wealthy enough to escape the heat of the city for the summer. Of the 15 original hotels, 3 are open to visitors. Red Boiling Springs still offers mineral baths to soothe and relax.

Explore Hwy 127 beginning at the Tennessee - Kentucky State Lines. This rural highway passes through the Alvin C. York Historic Site where the Grist Mill provides the perfect place for a picnic by the falls. Highway 127 winds around abrupt hills and through valley farmland. Breathtaking views abound. See historic Jamestown; experience Highland Manor Winery, Tennessee's Oldest Winery; explore East Fork Stables 1200 acres of horseback riding trails; and visit Crossville, TN's Stonehaus Winery and antique shopping. Exit 127 at Highway 154 to hike, bike, ride, or simply explore Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area or Pickett State Park.

Highway 70N from Cookeville guides drivers atop the Cumberland Plateau in Monterey and then into Crossville where it passes beautiful Ozone falls. Fro those out for the day, return to Sparta via the somewhat parallel Highway 70, also know as the Historic Broadway of America. Watch for gorgeous vistas and take advantage of the unique shopping and quaint dining opportunities on the square in Sparta.

Hwy 56 from Silver Point to Smithville, TN. Exit I-40 at the Highway 56 exit and go south. This drive circles Center Hill Lake and provides breathtaking vistas from several vantages. Drivers can linger at the Appalachian Center for Craft, Lakeside Resort or several parks, boat docks, and overlooks along the way. Hurricane Bridge takes drivers high over the lake.