South Cumberland Recreation Area

Monteagle, TN U.S.A.

Eleven distinct areas make up this recreation area on the South Cumberland Plateau. The terrain is extremely rugged, a mix of river gorges and peaks sprinkled with waterfalls and unusual rock formations.

Access to much of the park is by foot only, although one section of a trail to Stone Door Overlook accommodates wheelchairs.

The 70-plus miles of hiking trails range from moderately easy to extremely strenuous.

Grundy Lake, one of several small lakes in the park, is open to paddlers and electric-motored boats, and there is some fishing. The lakeside is also the site of historic coke ovens, once used to distill coal.

There is backcountry camping at specified sites.

A hiker enjoys a clifftop vantage point at South Cumberland Recreation Area.

South Cumberland Recreation Area offers stunning views and more than 70 miles of hiking trails.

Savoring the view at South Cumberland.