The State Parks of the Cumberland Gap Region
BIG RIDGE STATE PARK
Maynardville, Tennessee
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, Big Ridge State Park is 3,600 acres surrounded by Norris Lake, and contains Big Ridge Lake.
FRIENDS OF WILDERNESS ROAD STATE PARK
The Friends of Wilderness Road State Park is a non-profit organization of private citizens, businesses, civic groups and students, all of whom are dedicated to the continuing growth and development of Wilderness Road State Park
PINE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Pineville, KY
Pine Mountain became Kentucky’s first state park in 1924.
NORRIS DAM STATE PARK
Rocky Top, TN
Construction of Norris Dam began in 1933 as the first project by the Tennessee Valley Authority, a Great Depression-era entity created by the federal government to control flooding and bring electricity and economic development to the Tennessee Valley.
COVE LAKE STATE PARK
Caryville, TN
Cove Lake’s 717 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Scenic nature trails lead through a diversity of wetlands and woodlands offering wildlife viewing for the nature enthusiast.
WILDERNESS ROAD
Ewing, Virginia
Wilderness Road State Park features an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia's 1775 frontier.
KINGDOM COME STATE PARK
Cumberland, Kentucky
Majestic scenic overlooks. Raven's Rock is a huge slab of stone that juts nearly 300 feet into the air at a 45 degree angle. The park is a perfect natural habitat for black bear. Features primitive camping, hiking trails, pedal boats, fishing, miniature golf and a gift shop.
CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE PARK
Cumberland, KY
With a 68-foot drop that spans 125 feet, the Cumberland river forms one of the largest waterfalls east of the Rockies outside of Niagara Falls. Even on a sunny day you may see a rainbow. Featuring a pool, hiking trails, cottages, lodge, cabins, restaurant, gift shop, campground and horseback riding.
THOMAS WALKER STATE PARK
Barbourville, KY
A replica of the cabin constructed by explorer and physician Dr. Thomas Walker stands on a 12-acre tract six miles southeast of Barbourville. The cabin supposedly stands on the site of the original structure. It is here in 1750 that Walker laid claim to the surrounding land by building a small cabin.
INDIAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Campbell County, TN
Indian Mountain State Park is a multi-use facility in Campbell County near Tennessee's northern border. Visitors to the 203-acre park enjoy fishing at the lake, picnicking, camping, and hiking on the three trails. Although the park's name would indicate that it is located on a mountain, it is actually located at the base of the mountain.
Chuck Swan State Forest
3476 Sharps Chapel Road Sharps Chapel, TN 37866
Chuck Swan State Forest consisted of numerous small farms and parcels. In 1934 the Tennessee Valley Authority began acquiring the land in connection with the Norris Dam project. TVA sold the property to the State of Tennessee in 1952 with the understanding that the forest would be developed for multiple uses including recreation and demonstration. - See more at: https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/article/ag-forests-sf-chuck-swan#sthash.bPO8Hh1x.dpuf