|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Tennessee >
Cove Lake State Park |
|
|
Cove Lake State Park's 673 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain valley
setting on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Mountains. There are scenic nature
trails and bike trails leading through the open grasslands and woodlands. In the
winter, several hundred Canada Geese make this lakeshore their feeding ground.
Nearby is the Devil's Race Track whose steep pinnacle rock affords a panoramic
view.
Biking
There is a 3.5 mile paved hiking trail that is also used for biking. There is no
mountain biking in the park. Mountain bikers can visit nearby Cross Mountain
which is only 5 miles from Cove Lake.
Boating
Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on the lake, but no personally
owned boats are permitted. No gas powered motors are allowed but you may bring
your own electric trolling motor to put on the fishing boats. Boat rental is
year-round.
Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Camping
The Cove Lake visitor is served with 100 campsites. All sites are equipped with
water and electrical hookups, and most with grills and tables. A dump station is
available, as are two modern bathhouses containing hot showers, commodes, and
lavatories. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stay
limit is two weeks. Tents are allowed on all the campsites.
For more camping information call 423-566-9701.
Fishing
Year-round fishing is permitted on 210-acre Cove Lake. There is no park fee for
fishing but a valid temporary or annual Tennessee fishing license is necessary
for persons over 15. Bass and bluegill are the best sporting fish in the lake,
but good catches of crappie always tempt the angler. Fishing is allowed from
anywhere on the banks of the lake.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies
Hiking Trails
There is a 3.5 mile paved hiking trail that is also used for biking. There is no
mountain biking in the park. Mountain bikers can visit nearby Cross Mountain
which is only 5 miles from Cove Lake.
Meeting Facility
There is one indoor pavilion that can be used for meetings, weddings, rehearsal
dinners, family reunions, church picnics and wedding receptions. It is equipped
with a full size kitchen and central heat and air. Snacks are not provided but a
leased restaurant is located next door. The pavilion can accommodate up to 100
people.
Indoor Pavilion Brochure
Picnic Facilities
There are 112 picnic tables and grills to serve the Cove Lake day-user. Most
sites are located adjacent to the lake. Six large picnic pavilions are provided
for family reunions and other large group use. Playgrounds, playfields,
restrooms and water are conveniently located to serve picnickers. Picnic areas
are not covered but they are situated in shady locations.
Three of the pavilions can seat up to 50 people and three can seat 60-65 people.
Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance.Unreserved pavillions are
available on a first come-first serve basis.
Restaurant
The park restaurant is temporarily closed. For more information, please call the
park office, 423-566-9701.
Swimming
The Swimming Pool is open. The outdoor swimming pool complex is open from
Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, kiddy pool,
refreshment stand and restrooms. The charge is $3.00 per person, children 2
years and under are free. Operating hours are 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Other Activities
Cove Lake visitors can enjoy badminton, shuffleboard, horseshoes, field games,
volleyball, playgrounds, ping-pong, tennis, and many other activities including
a paved walking and bicycling trail. Recreation equipment is available on a free
checkout system at the boat dock in the summer months or in the park office
during the winter months.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome. |
|
|
|