Parks, Forests & WMAs

The Cumberland Byway is in close proximity to a number of national and state parks, forests, natural areas, and wildlife management areas that provide opportunities for several types of outdoor recreation and historical education. Starting from the east, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is home to the first gateway to western expansion in the United States and many overlooks, waterfalls, and caves for recreation as well as historic sites that highlight the importance of the Gap to wildlife, Native Americans, early pioneers, and Civil War fortifications. Five miles south of the Byway between Speedwell and LaFollete, the Chuck Swan State Forest and Wildlife Management Area contains 1,500 acres of wildlife plots that provide ample hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and caving opportunities. Caryville is home to Cove Lake State Park, which serves as a regional draw for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Adjacent to Cove Lake, the Northern Cumberland Wildlife Management Area is comprised of over 150,000 acres (second in size only to the Cherokee National Forest) of forestland that contains over 600 miles of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails.

Recreation in this area, particularly OHV use, is an enormous economic driver for the region and should be capitalized upon in the development and promotion of the Byway.

Within the Cumberland Plateau lies the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which draws thousands of horseback riders annually and is adjacent and/or attached to several state natural areas and parks that provide ample outdoor recreation activities of all types. Between Jamestown and Livingston, both the Sgt. Alvin C. York Historic Park and Cordell Hull Birthplace provide valuable insight into the history of nationally prominent figures whose pioneer spirit and hard-working nature can be directly tied to their connection with the Northern Cumberland Region.

Between Livingston and Celina, the Standing Stone State Park and Forest cabins and campgrounds provide housing opportunities for visitors to the park and adjacent communities. Several events at the park draw many visitors to the area, including the National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship, which draws visitors from all over the country.