Cove Lake Hiking
  • Lush green mountains, a lake, and a road bridge under a blue sky.
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    Sunlight filters through trees over a wooden path, surrounded by lush greenery.

    Hiking at Cove Lake  

    Cove Lake State Park has more than seven miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, of which over three miles are paved for multi-use, including jogging and biking. 

    Trails

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    • Campground Trail

      Cove Lake State Park
      Distance
      0.20 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Cumberland Trail

      Cove Lake State Park
      Distance
      2.60 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Paved Trail

      Cove Lake State Park
      Distance
      3.50 mi.
      Difficulty
      Easy
      Surface
      Paved
      The Paved Trail includes three main sections (North, East, and West), creating a network that allows hiking and biking. This trail is considered ADA accessible.  * When traveling the North section, you will find shelters 5 and 6, boat rentals & kayak launch, and the visitor center. * Take the East section to catch beautiful views of Cove Lake and access the fishing pier. * On the West section, visitors can enjoy birdwatching and viewing other sorts of wildlife at the park at the Wildlife Observation Platform.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Biking Hiking wheelchair

      Volunteer Trail

      Cove Lake State Park
      Distance
      1.55 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Natural
      Nestled in the valley that Cove Lake State Park sits within, the Volunteer Trail is a loop that winds through woodlands. It also provides access to the Cumberland Trail, Tennessee’s first linear state park, connecting the park to Tank Springs in LaFollette.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

    Trail Definitions

    • Cross Slope 

      Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.   

    • Grade  

      Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.    

    • Standard Ramp Grade

      Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments.  

    • Surface 

      A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.   

    • Tread Width    

      Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.   

    • Trail Types: Loop

      Trail returns at or near the point from which you started. 

    • Trail Types: Network 

      Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected

    • Trail Types: Out and Back

      This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.   

    • Trail Types: Stacked Loop

      A loop trail contained completely within another trail.   

    Learn More About Trail Accessibility Information

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

    Find a Park Map

    Discover More at Cove Lake

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

    Address:
    110 Cove Lake Lane, Caryville TN, 37714
    1-423-566-9701

     
    Hours: 
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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