Park 3: Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park

Not to be confused with Cumberland Trail State Park or Cumberland Gap State Park

Trail Summary: None

Back in the summer of 2017 Miles and I joined a few friends for a longer hike in Cumberland Trail State Park, but confusingly planned an after hike lunch at Cumberland Mountain State Park. I would write about the hike, but we also got extremely lost so I’m pretending like I have yet to visit Cumberland Train State Park. I will write about how to prevent getting lost on a trail in the next TIPS blog actually. Regardless, Cumberland Mountain State Park offered us the oasis we needed after a stressful, sweaty day on the trail.

Lets count the reasons why Cumberland Trail State Park should be on your summer bucket list shall we?

1. Accommodations: This 1,720-acre park has camping, with electric hookup, rustic cabins and deluxe cabins. Regardless if you have small children, dogs or someone who needs ADA accommodations this park is prepared for all visitors. Rent a cabin for as low as $65 a night or a camping spot for only $32. They have an overnight backpacking campsite that is available for $8 a night.
2. Activities: Hiking is certainly an option in this park, but this park has  far more to offer including: fishing, golfing, boat rentals, biking and more. This park has a pool, tennis court, basketball court, volley ball area, sport field and playground. While we did not participate in any of these activities on this day, the park was filled with 5-13 year olds having fun.
3. Picnic Area: We utilized the picnic area after our hike and just soaked up the view of the lake while we ate lunch. Clean and maintained picnic areas are always a dream for day trips. With the wide variety of activities and ease of location, I plan on spending long days at this park when Miles and Alex get older. Just find a spot put up a popup tent and set up shop for the entire day.
4. Events: I can hardly contain myself about the events this park hosts. While researching the park a bit more for the blog, I’ve already planned two trips here based on the events alone. Free photography classes, Christmas programs with Santa and crafts, trail running races and the one I am signing up for a spring rock climbing workshop that is 3 days and only $50!

That’s a wrap on Cumberland Mountain State Park. I hope this encourages you to visit this nearby area in the spring or summer and take advantage of this free park!