Accessibility at Cove Lake

  • Lush green mountains, a lake, and a road bridge under a blue sky.
  • Cove Lake Accessibility

    At Tennessee State Parks, we serve a variety of visitors including individuals with physical disabilities and those who may face other barriers to outdoor recreation. With a focus on accessibility, we continually strive to enhance our parks to better accommodate all visitors. Learn more about accessible features, amenities, programs, and services offered.

    • Motorized wheelchair by a lakeside pier, mountains in the background.

    All-Terrain Wheelchairs

    All-terrain wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed to navigate a wide range of terrains that may be encountered in outdoor environments.

    These are important to park visitors because they provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreation areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.  

    Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers trail experiences that can accommodate this specialized wheelchair. The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. The chairs can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control.   

    To help us serve our visitors better, we kindly ask that you give us advance notice if you’d like to use a wheelchair. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that the chair may already be reserved for another guest. Advanced requests ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable. 

     

    Adult-Sized Changing Table

    Discover comfort and convenience at Tennessee State Parks with our newly introduced adult-sized changing tables. Designed to enhance accessibility, these changing tables cater to the diverse needs of our visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.  

    Located inside the Nature Center, the table at Cove Lake State Park utilizes a remote to adjust the height of the table. This table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised.  

    Learn more about adult-sized changing tables at Tennessee State Parks by clicking the link below. 

    Fishing

    Cove Lake sits upon the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau.

    Fish for bass, bluegill, and crappie with views of Cumberland Mountain at our accessible fishing pier. The pier is located along a paved trail and can be navigated to using the park map. Please note that the paved trail does contain obstructions by root fields that have caused the pavement to crack and rise.

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    Accessible Pavilions and Venues

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 1

      Shelter 1 is wheelchair friendly and available for reservation. This pavilion includes access to water, a non-accessible grill, and 20-amp electric service. Please note that the sidewalk to the pavilion is steep. Parking is available next to the shelter.  

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 3

      Shelter 3 is wheelchair friendly and available for reservation. This pavilion includes an accessible grill, water hookup, and 20-amp electric service. Parking is available next to the shelter and is connected by paved sidewalk.

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 4

      Shelter 4 is wheelchair friendly and available for reservation. This pavilion includes an accessible grill, water hookup, and 20-amp electric service. Parking is available nearby connected by a paved sidewalk. 

      • pavilion surrounded by grass, trees and lake

      Shelter 5 and 6

      Shelter 5 and Shelter 6 are wheelchair friendly and available for reservation. Each pavilion includes an accessible grill, water hookup, and 20-amp electric service. Parking is available next to Shelter 6 with paved sidewalk access to each pavilion. An accessible restroom is available at this area. 

      • Wooden hall with exposed beams, round tables, and chairs, warmly lit.

      Recreation Building

      The Recreation Building is a reservable wheelchair-friendly space offering gorgeous views of Cove Lake and can accommodate up to 120 people.

      • Person holding two trays filled with food, including sweet potato fries, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and a sandwich, creating a casual dining atmosphere.

      Restaurant

      Rickard Ridge BBQ is wheelchair accessible and open year-round on the park. Serving delicious food with a view, the restaurant offers indoor seating and outdoor seating on the deck. The restaurant can be accessed from the parking lot by a paved sidewalk. 

      Rickard Ridge BBQ (Opens in a new tab)
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    • Large RV with bikes in a sunny campsite surrounded by trees.

    Camping

    Set up camp in the valley between the Cumberland Mountains for a picturesque overnight stay.

    Running along the shores of Cove Lake, the campground offers a few options for accessible campsites. Immerse yourself into nature and watch the birds from your site. The A Loop Campsites 16, 20, and 24 are wheelchair friendly and include electric and water hookup. The C Loop Campsites 95 and 97 are wheelchair friendly and include electric and water hookup.

    There is a wheelchair-accessible bathhouse available. 

    Keep in mind there are limited numbers of ADA-accessible campsites available, so it is best to make reservations as far in advance as possible. For those who require ADA-accessible accommodation when staying overnight, it is important to make a specific request when booking a reservation. ADA Site numbers will be changing once renovation is completed.

    Call 1-888-867-2757 for more information or assistance. 

    Have Questions? Need Accommodations?

    We're here to help.

    If you have any questions, comments, or require special accommodations or assistance with interpretive services and events for someone in your party, we're here to help.

    To fulfill reasonable requests for assistance, we kindly ask that you reach out to the Park Office at least 10 days before your visit. This will enable us to make the necessary arrangements to provide you with an enjoyable park experience. Provide us with details about your needs so we can be well-prepared.  

    • Sunlight filters through trees, illuminating a wooden bridge over a path, surrounded by lush greenery. The scene evokes a peaceful, serene morning ambiance.