Explore Crossville & the Cumberland Plateau
Outdoor Recreation & Campgrounds
Take a lakeside walk, explore a waterfall, spend an afternoon at a city park, or settle in at a campground. Find local places around Crossville and Cumberland County, plus nearby outings for a longer day outside.
Route lengths and ratings below follow the named park or trail guide. Hours distinguish trail access from offices and campground arrivals. Unpublished details are marked for confirmation; follow current signs and official alerts.
Browse the Campgrounds & RV Parks directory →
Parks, lakes & local walks
Hiking · Lake · Picnics · Camping
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Make a day of Byrd Lake, wooded hiking trails, and picnic areas, or plan an overnight stay at the park. Check the official park site for activities, maps, reservations, and seasonal facilities.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Byrd Lake Trail: 0.50 mile of paved trail. Pioneer Short Loop: 1.80-mile loop. These are separate routes; check the map for your starting point and any return walk.
- Difficulty
- The park rates Byrd Lake Trail and Pioneer Short Loop Easy. Byrd Lake is paved and described as ADA accessible; Pioneer Short Loop has natural surfaces, rock steps and obstructions.
- Hours & access
- Day-use areas: daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM Central. Visitor center gift shop: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Finish trail walks before dark and check park alerts.
- Fees & reservations
- No park entrance or hiking fee. Camping, cabins, golf, rentals and reserved facilities have separate charges.
Do not assume the whole lake loop is paved or accessible. The park identifies Byrd Lake Trail as its accessible route.
Byrd Creek can flash flood; check the park’s current alerts and ask staff about trail conditions.
Official information checked
24 Office Drive, Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-6138City park · Play · Sports
Centennial Park
A local option for outdoor play, sports, and a walk. The city’s park guide includes pavilion information, the skate park, and facility rules. Contact the parks office for field use and reservations.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- The detailed Friends of the Trails route is a 1.2-mile paved walk. The city describes about 1.5 miles of walking trails across the park, so distance depends on the route.
- Difficulty
- Easy, paved route in the Friends of the Trails guide. Review its map: the route description warns that trail signs are limited.
- Hours & access
- Whole-park hours are not confirmed on the current city page. Follow posted gate hours or call Parks. The separate skatepark page lists 6:00 AM–5:00 PM daily, weather permitting.
- Fees & reservations
- The city does not publish a general admission price on its current park page. Ask Parks about pavilion reservations, field use and event charges.
If the gates are locked, the facility is closed. Sports-field use must be approved by the Parks Department.
Official information checked
837 Industrial Boulevard, Crossville, TN 38555
931-456-6632Fishing · Lake outing
Meadow Park Lake
Visit the city-operated lake south of Crossville, reached from Lantana Road via City Lake Road. Ask the lake office about current permits, hours, and boat access; see our Hunting & Fishing guide for more local fishing resources.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Soldier’s Beach Trail: 1.7-mile loop. Meadow Park North Trail: 2.5-mile loop outing, including its approach from the shared trailhead.
- Difficulty
- Friends of the Trails rates both routes Easy. Woodland trails include roots, rocks and small bridges; an Easy rating does not mean a paved or accessible path.
- Hours & access
- Central Time: October 31–March 31, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; April 1–May 22, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Memorial Day–Labor Day, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM; after Labor Day–October 30, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Confirm the posted schedule around holiday changeovers.
- Fees & reservations
- $5 daily ramp/lake-access permit for each approved boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Rentals, camping and shelter bookings cost extra. A separate walking fee is not stated on the city page.
Use the Soldier’s Beach trailhead on City Lake Road for these hikes; it is separate from the marina/park office at the end of the road.
Boat-rental hours differ from park hours; call the lake office for availability.
Official information checked
Soldier’s Beach trailhead, City Lake Road, Crossville, TN 38555
931-788-2034Walking · Trail maps
Crossville Greenway & local trails
Find local routes through the Friends of the Trails guide, including the Centennial Park paved trail and other Crossville trails. Check the individual route descriptions and closure notices before choosing a walk.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Separate local routes include the 1.0-mile Meditation Trail and 2.5-mile Airport South loop outing. Choose a named route; this is not one continuous trail.
- Difficulty
- Routes range from Easy to Moderate in the Friends of the Trails guide. Airport South and Meditation are rated Easy; Airport North is Moderate. Surfaces and inclines vary.
- Hours & access
- No single opening schedule is published for the whole network. Follow the selected trail’s signs and access rules; the Meditation Trail guide asks visitors to avoid Sunday mornings.
- Fees & reservations
- The guide does not publish a network-wide entry fee. Confirm access arrangements for the route you choose; some trails cross private or institutional property.
The trail guide marks TCAT and Charleston Place closed and retains other dated closure notices. Check the current route status before setting out.
Official information checked
Multiple trailheads in Crossville; choose a route in the Friends of the Trails guide.
Hiking, waterfalls & nearby adventures
Overlooks · Rock formations
Black Mountain
Explore the summit loop and overlooks toward Grassy Cove, or plan a longer Cumberland Trail hike. The summit loop and the climb from the Highway 68 trailhead are different outings; use the trail guide to choose your route.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Summit routes: North Loop 0.78 mile; South Loop 0.66 mile. These are separate loops, not the longer Cumberland Trail approach from Highway 68.
- Difficulty
- North Loop: Easy, as rated by Tennessee State Parks. The South Loop has no published difficulty rating in the current park trail directory. Natural surfaces, rock formations and bluff edges require care.
- Hours & access
- Daylight hours for day visitors; the state wildlife guide makes a separate exception for campers. Check current park notices before traveling.
- Fees & reservations
- No day-use fee listed by the official Tennessee wildlife guide. Overnight camping reservations and fees are separate.
Use the summit parking area at the end of Black Mountain Road for the short loops. The mountain road is narrow and steep.
Do not confuse these summit loops with the longer Highway 68 approach or the strenuous 6.7-mile one-way connection to Ozone Falls.
Official information checked
Summit trailhead parking, Black Mountain Road, near Crab Orchard, TN
423-533-2928 (Cumberland Trail State Park office)Waterfall · Rugged terrain
Ozone Falls
A waterfall destination east of Crossville near Crab Orchard. Paths into the gorge are steep and rocky. The longer Cumberland Trail connection from Black Mountain is a strenuous hike, so review the route description before setting out.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- The state natural-area guide lists a rugged 0.75-mile trail with a return by backtracking, but does not clearly identify the total round-trip distance. The separate Black Mountain–Ozone Falls Cumberland Trail section is 6.7 miles one way.
- Difficulty
- Waterfall gorge access: rugged, steep and rocky; no numeric difficulty grade is published by the natural-area guide. The separate 6.7-mile Cumberland Trail connection is officially rated Strenuous by the conservancy.
- Hours & access
- Sunrise to sunset, according to the state natural-area guide. Camping is not allowed in the natural area.
- Fees & reservations
- A day-use or parking fee is not stated in the official natural-area guide. Confirm current requirements with Cumberland Trail State Park.
A short visit near the top of the falls and a descent into the gorge are different outings. The gorge route includes steep rock steps and exposed terrain.
Use the small signed natural-area parking area beside US 70. Do not rely on overflow parking across the highway.
The state prohibits rappelling and camping here; pets are not recommended.
Official information checked
Ozone Falls State Natural Area trailhead, US Highway 70, east of Crab Orchard, TN
423-533-2928 (Cumberland Trail State Park office)Nearby day trip · Hiking · Paddling · Climbing
Obed Wild & Scenic River
Explore the river gorges around the Obed, with options for hiking, climbing, and river recreation. The National Park Service visitor guide provides maps, alerts, and information to help choose an activity that suits your experience.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Lilly Bluff Overlook: 0.3 mile one way (0.6 mile round trip). Point Trail: 3.8 miles round trip. Emory River Nature Trail at Nemo: 1-mile loop.
- Difficulty
- NPS ratings: Lilly Bluff Overlook Easy; Point Trail Moderate to Strenuous; Emory River Nature Trail Easy to Moderate.
- Hours & access
- Park open year-round. Wartburg visitor center: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time, closed Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1. Day-use and nighttime access rules vary by location.
- Fees & reservations
- No park entrance fee or entrance pass required. Camping, reservations and some activities have separate requirements or fees.
Choose the trailhead for your route. Lilly Bluff and Nemo are separate access areas; the Wartburg visitor center is not the hiking trailhead.
The visitor center uses Eastern Time, one hour ahead of Crossville's Central Time.
Nemo vehicle access and several river access areas close at sunset unless the required valid backcountry permit applies. Check the specific area before an after-dark visit.
The remote Cumberland Trail Obed River Section is a different, very strenuous 14.2-mile one-way route.
As of October 16, NPS still lists partial closures on the Lilly Bluff Overlook decking during repairs. Check current alerts before choosing this route.
Official information checked
Visitor center: 208 North Maiden Street, Wartburg, TN 37887; hiking access varies by trail
423-346-6294 (Obed visitor center)Regional hiking · Route planning
Explore more Cumberland Trail sections
Compare trail sections, distances, terrain, and trailheads with the Cumberland Trail Conservancy. Plan around the specific section you want to walk rather than assuming every part of the trail is connected or equally easy.
Trail & visit details
- Trail distance
- Varies by section. Use the selected section's published distance and route type; a one-way distance is not an out-and-back total.
- Difficulty
- Varies by route, from Easy to Difficult in the state park directory and up to Strenuous in the conservancy's section guides. Check the specific trail rather than treating the whole Cumberland Trail as one hike.
- Hours & access
- Access and gate hours depend on the selected section and land manager. Confirm the trailhead's hours before traveling; park office hours are not trail hours. The state camping rules prohibit hiking after dark.
- Fees & reservations
- Check the selected trailhead and activity for current fees or permits. Overnight campsite reservations can carry nightly charges and a reservation fee; do not assume camping is free.
The Cumberland Trail still has gaps and limited-access sections. Some routes lack a trailhead at both ends, so do not assume a continuous through-hike or an available shuttle.
Use the state park's current maps and conditions along with the conservancy's route descriptions. Confirm the local time zone for your chosen section.
Official information checked
Multiple trailheads across Tennessee; choose a specific section before requesting directions
423-533-2928 (Cumberland Trail State Park office)Yak farm tours & products
Deep Draw Yak Ranch
Family yak farm offering farm tours, yak products and livestock sales.
Farm visit details
- Tour route
- Farm tours; ask the ranch about tour routes and walking distance.
- Access
- Ask the ranch about walking surfaces and accessibility before booking.
- Hours & access
- Arrange farm tours through the ranch and confirm the current schedule before visiting.
- Fees & reservations
- Confirm tour admission and reservation arrangements with the ranch.
Official information checked
1603 Deep Draw Rd, Crossville, TN 38555
502-939-2291Seasonal corn maze & farm activities
Kimbro Farms — Autumn Daze Corn Maze
Seasonal farm attraction offering a corn maze, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and group visits.
Farm visit details
- Activity route
- Corn maze and farm activities; confirm current routes and walking distances with the farm.
- Access
- Ask the farm about walking surfaces, ground conditions and accessibility before visiting.
- Hours & access
- Seasonal attraction. Confirm current operating dates and group-visit arrangements before traveling.
- Fees & reservations
- Confirm admission and reservation requirements with the farm.
Official information checked
1096 Baier Road, Crossville, TN 38571
931-787-9718
Campgrounds & RV stays
Compare the site types and facilities that fit your trip. Confirm availability, hookups, vehicle length limits, and seasonal amenities directly with the campground.
State park · Campsites
Cumberland Mountain State Park camping
Use the state park reservation page to choose a campsite and review its amenities, equipment limits, and policies. For cabins or other park accommodations, start with the official park guide above.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Camping check-in: 4:00 PM; check-out: noon, Central Time. Reserve the dates and campsite you need.
- Fees & reservations
- Nightly rates vary by campsite, amenities and season. State and local taxes and a non-refundable $5 advance reservation fee per campsite are additional; view the final total before booking.
The park's day-use hours are separate from overnight camping. Review the selected site's equipment limits and amenities before reserving.
Official information checked
24 Office Drive, Crossville, TN 38555 (park office)
931-484-6138Local campground · RV hookups
Ballyhoo Family Campground
A Crossville campground offering full hookups and bathroom facilities. Contact the campground for available sites, current rates, and the amenities that fit your stay.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Check-in, check-out and office hours are not published on the accessible operator pages. Call before arriving.
- Fees & reservations
- Call for the current rate for your site type and travel dates; a current public rate schedule could not be verified.
Full-hookup camping and bathroom facilities are advertised. Confirm site availability, equipment fit and arrival arrangements directly with the campground.
Official information checked
256 Werthwyle Drive, Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-0860RV sites · Tent camping · Cabins
Bean Pot Campground
Compare full-hookup RV sites, water-and-electric sites, tent camping, and cabin options on the campground’s current website. Confirm your site type and seasonal amenities when reserving.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Check-in: after 2:00 PM; check-out: by 11:00 AM, Central Time. Call to confirm office hours and late arrivals.
- Fees & reservations
- Use the operator's booking link or call for current RV, tent or cabin rates. Cabins have a two-night minimum; payment is due at check-in.
The operator's page shows conflicting reservation-desk hours, so no office schedule is stated here. The seasonal pool is listed as open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Official information checked
23 Bean Pot Campground Loop, Crossville, TN 38571
931-484-7671RV camping · Tent sites · Cabins
Crossville / I-40 KOA Holiday
Explore the campground’s RV, tent, and cabin options through its official KOA listing. Review site details, availability, and campground policies before making a reservation.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Open year-round. RV/tent check-in: 1:00 PM; lodging check-in: 3:00 PM; check-out: 11:00 AM, Central Time. Registration desk: Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Friday–Saturday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
- Fees & reservations
- Rates depend on travel dates, accommodation and occupancy. Use the official reservation quote for your total, including applicable extra charges.
After-hours arrival instructions are provided by the registration entrance. The office and general store close on selected holidays; confirm arrival arrangements when reserving.
Official information checked
6575 US-70, Crossville, TN 38555
931-707-5349Nearby · Primitive camping
Rock Creek Campground at the Obed
A primitive campground near the Nemo area of the Obed Wild & Scenic River. Use the National Park Service campground page for reservation instructions, facilities, and suitability for your camping equipment.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Open year-round by reservation. Only registered campers may remain between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Check-out: noon; confirm arrival instructions on your reservation. This location uses Eastern Time.
- Fees & reservations
- $15 per campsite per night, as published by NPS. Reserve a specific site through Recreation.gov or 877-444-6777; review any applicable booking, change or cancellation charges.
Eleven primitive tent sites, with vault toilets and no running water or hookups. The current campground visitor page says RVs and trailers are not permitted. Check NPS alerts before leaving; campground access can change with conditions.
Official information checked
1674 Catoosa Road, Wartburg, TN 37887
423-346-6294RV camping · Private fishing lake
Spring Lake RV Resort
Lakefront RV camping with full-hookup sites, Wi-Fi, cable TV and a private catch-and-release fishing lake.
Camping & access
- Hours & access
- Check-in: noon; check-out: 11:00 AM. Quiet hours: 10:00 PM–7:00 AM. Contact the office to arrange your arrival.
- Fees & reservations
- Daily and monthly stays are listed on the official rates page. Prices vary by lakeside or off-lake site; confirm current rates, taxes, electricity charges and reservation terms with the resort.
Sites include water, electric and sewer hookups. Lake fishing is catch and release; swimming is not permitted. Pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Listing checked using the resort guidelines, rates and Chamber address listing.
255 Fairview Drive, Crossville, TN 38571
931-707-1414
Plan your outing
Maps & conditions
Check local weather and use our maps page for directions. Follow the destination’s official link for trail closures, access, and current conditions.
Stay, eat & explore
Find lodging, browse restaurants, and explore local points of interest. For a rainy day, try our Indoor Recreation guide.
Details reviewed October 16, 2026 using the city, park, trail organization, and campground websites linked above. Hours, facilities, and trail conditions can change.