Cumberland Mountain State Park RV & Campground Guide

You can catch bass, catfish and bluegill anytime of the year at Byrd Lake. In the winter, the park adds trout to the lake.

At Byrd Lake, you may see ducks, herons and belted kingfishers. In the forest, you can spot scarlet tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, tufted titmice, indigo buntings, yellow-billed cuckoos and warblers. Other possible wildlife sightings are eastern cottontail rabbits, American beavers, eastern moles and big brown bats.

Pink lady's slipper and other vibrant wildflowers grow in Cumberland Mountain State Park. You can hike the Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail in late spring to see the blooming wildflowers. Other notable flora in Cumberland Mountain State Park are mountain laurel and rhododendron. You can see these flowering plants on the Pioneer Short Loop Trail and the Pioneer Loop Trail. Many species of trees live in the park, including oaks, hickories, white pines, Virginia pines, black gums and sourwoods.

Walk through areas of hemlock treetop canopies, across a small creek and over a bridge that was built by an eagle scout on Byrd Creek Trail. You can take the Pioneer Short Loop Trail for an easy hike or the longer Pioneer Loop Trail for a moderate hike. On the Pioneer Short Loop Trail, you'll come across a swinging bridge, man-made rock steps and picnic rock, which is a rock overlook. Overnight Trail is a 5.95-mile difficult trail with plenty of flora viewing opportunities, including pink lady's slippers, white pines, Virginia pines, black gums, sourwoods, hickories and oaks. There are several creeks and streams and a swinging bridge as well.

You can launch personal kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and johnboats from a boat launch at Byrd Lake for a small fee. The boat dock is open from Memorial Day to the end of July and on weekends from August to October. It opens at 8 a.m., and the last rental is at 5:30 p.m.

Cumberland Mountain State Park has a swimming pool that's open on the weekends if you'd like to swim during your stay. The deep end is 13 feet, and there are two 1-meter diving boards. Children can also splash around in a wading pool. A snack bar at the pool offers convenient refreshments. The pool also has restrooms, showers and changing areas. It costs $6 per person above the age of 1. For a fee, you can schedule a two-hour pool party for your group.

Experienced mountain bikers will want to tackle the Rock City Trail and the Hurricane jump line. Beginners can have fun with the Peter Rabbit jump line. Other mountain biking trails of a moderate difficulty rating include Devil Dog and Alley Cat. They feature jump lines and technical downhill lines. Hiking isn't allowed on the biking-only trails at Cumberland Mountain State Park. Riders must also wear helmets.