Hiking in Cumberland Mountain State Park
2. Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park began as part of the greater Cumberland Homesteads Project, a New Deal-era initiative by the Resettlement Administration that helped relocate poverty-stricken families on the Cumberland Plateau to small farms centered on what is now the Cumberland Homestead community. This 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the Cumberland Plateau.
You can find out more about hiking in the State Park at their website: Here
Hikes in Cumberland Mountain State Park
November 13, 2025
2.1 Pioneer Short Trail
- Hiking Distance: 2.0 mile
- Trail Length: 2.0 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
The Pioneer Trail starts and ends at the wooden bridge. Follow the Pioneer Trail along the north bank (cabin side) of Bryd Creek then cross the creek on the swinging bridge and return on the other side of the creek.
This trail has many exposed roots on the trail so take extra care to avoid turning an ankle. The trails in the park pass close to water and there are steep drop-offs in many places so children should be supervised.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
2.2 Pioneer Long Trail
- Hiking Distance: 3.0 miles
- Trail Length: 3.0 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.893291, -85.025355
Description
Cross the road and walk back to the bridge. You can start the hike on either bank of the creek, The trail follows the creek for about 1.25 miles to a swinging bridge. Cross the bridge and return on the other bank of the creek to the trail-head.
This trail has many exposed roots on the trail so take extra care to avoid turning an ankle. The trails in the park pass close to water and there are steep drop-offs in many places so children should be supervised.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. However do NOT enter the park in the usual entrance.Keep going on Route 127 South. Go Past the entrance to Bear Trace Golf Course. About 0.25 miles past Bear Trace turn right on to South Old Mail Road and follow the road for 1.8 miles to the stone bridge across Byrd Creek. Immediately after the bridge look for parking space on the left.(There is room for half-a-dozen vehicles along the road.) Please park head-on into the side of the road rather than parallel park so that more vehicles can fit in the limited space.
2.3 Byrd Creek Trail
- Hiking Distance: 2.6 miles
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
This trail follows along the banks of Byrd Creek for the entirety of the hike. At approximately one and a half miles hikers will come to the red and yellow junction. From here you should follow the red trail back to the CCC dam, then walk across the dam back to the park office where you started. This trail provides hikers with a unique tree top canopy of hemlock trees in several sections. Through these sections you will notice less vegetation on the forest floor and cooler temperatures in these areas. Hikers will also cross a small creek that is home to a very unique bridge that was built by an eagle scout.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
2.4 Byrd Lake ADA Trail (Paved)
- Hiking Distance: 1.4 miles (round-trip)
- Trail Length: 0.7 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
This trail is 0.7 miles in length giving a 1.4 mile roundtrip hike. Start at the kayak marina behind the restaurant. Cross the wooden bridge onto the Storybook Trail. Stop along the way and read the kid friendly signs. When you reach the road by the Park Office turn around and return. (There are public restrooms in the park office building and the restaurant.)
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127.
There is plenty of parking in the park but please do not park in the restaurant parking lot as that gets very busy at times. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
2.5 Overnight Trail
- Hiking Distance: 8.6 miles
- Trail Length: 6.0 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
This trail is accessed by hiking the Bryd Creek Trail to the blue and yellow junction. From here the overnight trail begins; a six mile loop trail that provides hikers with a dense forest surrounding them. The forest is made up of mostly oaks, hickory, sourwood, black gum, Virginia pine and white pines. You should be prepared to cross a swinging bridge and several creeks and streams along this loop trail. In the late spring, the overnight trail is home to a grove of pink lady’s slippers. The overnight campsite is located on this trail. Please register at the park office before camping.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
2.6 Pioneer Short & Byrd Lake ADA Trail (Paved)
- Hiking Distance: 3.2 miles
- Trail Length: 3.2 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
This trail has many exposed roots on the trail so take extra care to avoid turning an ankle. The trails in the park pass close to water and there are steep drop-offs in many places so children should be supervised.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
2.7 Pioneer Short & Long Trails
- Hiking Distance: 5.0 mile
- Trail Length: 5.0 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.898570, -85.000284
Description
The Pioneer Trail starts and ends at the wooden bridge. Follow the Pioneer Trail along the north bank (cabin side) of Bryd Creek to the swinging bridge. Continue onto the Pioneer Long Trail to Old Mail Road.
Go up onto the road and cross over the Creek on the stone bridge. Head back on the Pioneer Long Trail on the other side of the creek. When you reach the swinging bridge continue on to the Pioneer Short Trail to the wooden bridge. Cross over the bridge and return to your vehicle.
Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We suggest you park near the kayak marina behind the restaurant.
