Alerts

10-14-21: Heavy rains brought severe flooding to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Cabins 11-20 were impacted by the flooding. The park is currently assessing the damage and working with guests who have upcoming reservations. We appreciate your patience during the recovery process. 

The Mountain Bike Trail at Mousetail Landing is temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions. We will remove this alert when it opens. 

The Booker T. Washington State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is approximately 30 years old and visitation is extremely low. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Booker T. Washington State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Bunkum Cave is closed for the 2021 season. This helps our threatened bats remain undisturbed during their hibernation period. The cave will open May 1, 2022.

The Cove Lake State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 72 years old and visitation is down. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option at Cove Lake State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

3-18-2021: Due to some environmental issues, we are advising no one use Possum Creek at this time. 

12-10-2020: Open | Black Mountain to Ozone Falls | Interactive Map (includes area, trailheads, parking, etc.): https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=762f5151ba8045b2b076c0455f37179a&extent=-86.8081,34.9055,-82.7514,36.8174

11-30-2020: **Closure** | Frozen Head State Park Boundary North to Arch Mountain: Downfall has made the trail impassable at several points. Navigating around the obstructions is dangerous. Map of Closure: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=762f5151ba8045b2b076c0455f37179a&extent=-86.8081,34.9055,-82.7514,36.8174

Connects to Lawson Mountain...which has the following warning. 

11-30-2020: The Lawson Mountain Section the CT is in poor condition. Be prepared to use GPS navigation. A form of GPS navigation is available on the Cumberland Trail Interactive Map Here: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=762f5151ba8045b2b076c0455f37179a&extent=-86.8081,34.9055,-82.7514,36.8174

Please exercise extreme caution, plan your trip, and do not continue (& turn back) if you lose site of the trail or blazes.

11-30-2020: Tank Springs Shelter (No Longer Exists) | A fire has destroyed the Tank Springs Shelter in Campbell County roughly 3 miles south of the Tank Springs Trailhead in LaFollette towards the Devil's Racetrack in Caryville - a roughly 11-mile stretch. 

9-15-2020: Nemo Bridge to Break-A-Way Bluff | This segment of trail has continuous maintenance issues due to its topography – staff are working in the area but blowdowns & other issues are common even after recent cleanings. Please exercise extreme caution, plan your trip, and do not continue (please turn back) if you lose site of the trail or blazes. If you see issues report them at cumberland.trail@tn.gov or 423-566-2229 (M-F 8am – 4:30pm ET).

08-25-2020: The Suck Creek Bridge off Hwy 27 (near Mushroom Rock) in Prentice Cooper State Forest is washed out. Staff is looking at possible options with an indefinite timetable for repair at this time.”

Updated October 25, 2019: Trail Segment Closures
Trail South of the Devil’s Breakfast Table Trailhead - extending to the Daddy’s Creek Trailhead and RMA - remains incomplete and closed. The trail can be picked up again, to the south, at the Daddy’s Creek Trailhead.

For Immediate Updates: Visit our Interactive Map at https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=762f5151ba8045b2b076c0455f37179a&extent=-86.8081,34.9055,-82.7514,36.8174 - follow our Facebook page or call our main office at 423-566-2229 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET.

Please exercise extreme caution while enjoying creek areas, including waterfalls. Water levels may change suddenly, running high and moving fast in many areas and posing increased safety risk. Check out our interactive map to plan your trip: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=762f5151ba8045b2b076c0455f37179a&extent=-86.8081,34.9055,-82.7514,36.8174

All Counties: All caves on lands managed by the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail are closed to the public at this time due to White Nose Syndrome.

Gorge Water Levels Ongoing Alert: Changing water levels in the gorge can result in the sudden closure of the trail access to the base of the waterfall. Rain can drastically impact the volume of water coming over Cummins Falls, making the path through the gorge dangerous for visitors. We encourage everyone to check the weather forecast in the days leading up to a visit to the park. Even if it isn't raining at the park, rain upstream can cause water levels to rise in a matter of minutes. Please remain aware of your surroundings during your visit and exit the base of the falls if you notice the water volume increasing.

For the most up-to-date information, please check the Cummins Falls State Park Facebook page. On-site park staff will post photos and trail closure alerts on that page. 

The David Crockett Birthplace State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 46 years old and visitation is down. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option at David Crockett Birthplace State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

The David Crockett State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, visitation at the pool is down 49 percent over the last 10 years. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option David Crockett State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

The fuel dock is temporally closed until the completion of the capital project for a new dock. 

The Harrison Bay State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 36 years old, visitation is down 19 percent, and swimming is available in the lake. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Harrison Bay State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

03-25-2021: The Head of Sequatchie is open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CDT.
Directions/Details or call 423-533-2989 (M-F 8am to 4:30pm ET).  

3-29-21: Indian Mountain State Park has experienced flooding. Please check with the park for more information. 

The Marker 66 Restaurant at Paris LAnding State Park is closed for the 2022 winter season. The restaurant will reopen in spring.

The Norris Dam State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 45 years old, visitation is down 29 percent. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Norris Dam State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Notice:  The roadway leading to the park overlook will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, April 11th while a replacement waterline is installed in that area. The overlook area will remain closed to the public until the project is completed. This is the last extended period of closure expected for the area. Once the replacement waterline is installed, the two restroom facilities at the overlook area which have been closed for almost a year will also be reopened. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to complete this project as quickly as possible.

The Panther Creek State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 36 years old, visitation is down, lake swimming opportunities exist, and a public splash pad is five miles away. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Panther Creek State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Due to numerous maintenance issues and safety concerns, the Maple Arch Trail has been closed to the public until further notice. This closure is expected to continue until early to mid-fall 2021 as park staff complete extensive repairs on the trail. We appreciate your patience as we work over the next several months to restore the Maple Arch Trail to a condition that is safe and pleasurable for our visitors. Please be aware the Hunt Knob Trail remains open to horseback riders.

This alert is in effect from April 01, 2021 until further notice.

The Paris Landing State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 50 years old, visitation is down 50 percent and lake swimming opportunities are available. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Paris Landing State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Due to construction, restrooms will not be available at the interpretive center/museum until March 2022.  Restrooms are available at the group lodge picnic shelter or lower level playground picnic shelter.  We are sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we renovate our facilities.  

2021-8-5: Please be aware that the museum is currently under construction, but is still open to the public. There is a front and back entrance to the museum. At various times one may be closed, so please use the other to enter. Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements!

1/1/22: the east parking lot is closed until further notice due to damage from recent storms. Please make plans to park at the Visitor Center in the west parking area accessed off Granny White. 

This alert is in effect from until further notice.

The Roan Mountain State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 41 years old, visitation is down, and the park currently lacks adequate lifeguard positions. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option at Roan Mountain State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO: Please note swimming or wading is not permitted downstream of the Powerhouse at any time, regardless of water releases. Check TVA’s website for water release information and dam safety data at: www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Great-Falls.

Please read the text below about the Caney Fork River Gorge and Safety Information prior to visiting the park. 

Rock Island State Park is open, but the following alert is important for all visitors

TVA Great Falls Dam and/or the TVA Great Falls Powerhouse may release water on an irregular schedule. Water discharge may change day to day or even hour to hour. All river gorge areas downstream of the TVA Dam are closed when the dam is in Active water spill mode or a discharge is likely for the day. Before planning your visit, please check TVA's website for Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse for the most current water discharge schedule. Visitors are encouraged to check the discharge schedule often. Discharge schedules can change rapidly based on lake levels, rainfall forecasts, etc. Water releases may occur with or without warning any time you are near a TVA dam or powerhouse. Visitors should be prepared for a quick exit should they hear warning sirens or notice water rising. Life jackets and hiking shoes are strongly encouraged in this area.

The park has also seen very high visitation over the last year. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the park is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.

Please check the park’s Facebook page for updates before your visit.  

**ATTENTION CAMPERS: If you are traveling with a trailer or RV, please use Hwy. 52 to Hwy. 136, due to inaccessibility to RVs from the south entrance of the park. 

Public Notice: Swimming is not allowed at Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area. 

The Restaurant at Montgomery Bell will be closed December 19–30, 2021. Complimentary breakfast will still be served during this time. Happy holidays!

The Tims Ford State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 45 years old, visitation has been in an overall decline, and lake swimming opportunities are available. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option Tims Ford State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Trail Closures: Rock Creek Trail and portions of the old Camp Sam/Kinchen Trail will be closed, due to hazardous conditions, for rehabilitation. Visitors can access High Point Trail from the newly rerouted 1.5-mile multi-use Camp Sam Trail. Visitors can access CCC Camp Kinchen from the trailhead just across from the Historic Cottage. We appreciate your patience as we work to build a sustainable trail system.

The following trails are closed at Fall Creek Falls until further notice.

• The entire Lower Loop Trail is permanently closed.

The trails below are closed due to the Oct. 6 flooding. 

• Upper Loop Trail

The Warriors’ Path State Park pool will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Unfortunately, the pool is 59 years old, visitation is down, a public pool exists nearby, and swimming in the lake is available. Due to these factors, Tennessee State Parks can no longer justify to Tennessee taxpayers the costs associated with keeping this pool in operation. However, we are excited to have the opportunity to invest in a more fiscally responsible outdoor recreation option at Warriors’ Path State Park that would provide year-round benefits.

Cabins are currently experiencing a wifi and cable outage. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the park's wireless connection.