Cove
Lake State Park's 673 acres are situated in a beautiful mountain
valley setting on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Mountains.
There are scenic nature trails and bike trails leading through
the open grasslands and woodlands. In the winter, several hundred
Canada Geese make this lakeshore their feeding ground. Nearby
is the Devil's Race Track whose steep pinnacle rock affords a
panoramic view.
Biking
There is a 3.5 mile paved hiking trail that is also used for
biking. There is no mountain biking in the park. Mountain bikers
can visit nearby Cross Mountain which is only 5 miles from Cove
Lake.
Boating
Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on the lake,
but no personally owned boats are permitted. No gas powered
motors are allowed but you may bring your own electric trolling
motor to put on the fishing boats. Boat rental is year-round.
Tennessee
Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Camping
The Cove Lake visitor is served with 100 campsites. All sites
are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and most with
grills and tables. A dump station is available, as are two modern
bathhouses containing hot showers, commodes, and lavatories.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stay limit is two weeks. Tents are allowed on all the campsites.
For more camping information call 423-566-9701.
Fishing
Year-round fishing is permitted on 210-acre Cove Lake. There
is no park fee for fishing but a valid temporary or annual Tennessee
fishing license is necessary for persons over 15. Bass and bluegill
are the best sporting fish in the lake, but good catches of
crappie always tempt the angler. Fishing is allowed from anywhere
on the banks of the lake.
Tennessee
Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee
State Parks fishing policies
Hiking Trails
There is a 3.5 mile paved hiking trail that is also used for
biking. There is no mountain biking in the park. Mountain bikers
can visit nearby Cross Mountain which is only 5 miles from Cove
Lake.
Meeting Facility
There is one indoor pavilion that can be used for meetings,
weddings, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, church picnics
and wedding receptions. It is equipped with a full size kitchen
and central heat and air. Snacks are not provided but a leased
restaurant is located next door. The pavilion can accommodate
up to 100 people.
Indoor
Pavilion Brochure
Picnic Facilities
There are 112 picnic tables and grills to serve the Cove Lake
day-user. Most sites are located adjacent to the lake. Six large
picnic pavilions are provided for family reunions and other
large group use. Playgrounds, playfields, restrooms and water
are conveniently located to serve picnickers. Picnic areas are
not covered but they are situated in shady locations.
Three of the pavilions can seat up to 50 people and three can
seat 60-65 people. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year
in advance.Unreserved pavillions are available on a first come-first
serve basis.
Restaurant
Rickard Ridge BBQ at Cove Lake is now open. Hours of operation
are Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday & Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Restaurant features
BBQ pork, Ribs, Chicken, Black Angus Burgers, and Catfish. Combo
platters, sandwiches, appetizers, fresh salads, and desserts
are also offered daily. Group take-out specials, catering, and
wedding packages are also available. For more information please
call 423-907-8202.
Swimming
The outdoor swimming pool complex is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, kiddy pool, and restrooms. The charge is $3.00 per person, children 2 years and under are free. If you are camping at Cove Lake and show your receipt, the charge is $2.00 per person. Operating hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Other Activities
Cove Lake visitors can enjoy badminton, shuffleboard, horseshoes,
field games, volleyball, playgrounds, ping-pong, tennis, and
many other activities including a paved walking and bicycling
trail. Recreation equipment is available on a free checkout
system at the boat dock in the summer months or in the park
office during the winter months.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome.