Cumberland Mountain State Park Unveils Restored Historic Cabins

Photo: The CCC cabins at Cumberland Mountain State Park have been around for over 80 years. Speaker Cameron Sexton joined Senator Paul Bailey, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Allen Foster – Cumberland County Mayor and others to rededicate them on Monday. The repairs and updates made will preserve their history and enable citizens to experience what it was like to stay in them many decades ago.

Photo Credit: Speaker Cameron Sexton / Facebook

Published July 1, 2021

The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

On Monday, June 28, Tennessee State Park officials unveiled eleven recently restored historic cabins located in Cumberland Mountain State Park. The cabins were originally built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senator Paul Bailey both attended the rededication ceremony.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner, David Salyers, said, “Today’s event is another example of these exciting times for our parks. The parks play an important role in Tennessee communities, and we know visitors will enjoy these updated cabins in the years ahead.” 

The state park is located on the Cumberland Plateau, the largest timbered plateau in the country. It began as part of a New Deal-era initiative called the Cumberland Homesteads Project. The project relocated families in poverty to the plateau to farm. The area is now the Cumberland Homestead community. 

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Senator Sexton said the historic cabins are important to the local community. 

“The CCC cabins at Cumberland Mountain State Park have been a fixture in our local community for more than 80 years. We are so appreciative that the repairs and updates made to them will preserve their history and enable citizens to experience what it was like to stay in them many decades ago,” he said. 

Cumberland State Park lets visitors enjoy recreational activities like picnicking, hiking, and swimming. There is also a campground, offering over 140 sites and backcountry camping is offered in designated areas. 

“I am delighted these cabins have been restored and that park visitors for many years to come can experience an important part of Tennessee history,” Senator Bailey said. “The CCCs were extremely important to the revitalization of this region and their remarkable work at Cumberland Mountain State Park is a proud part of our heritage. These cabins are a true treasure and I appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Salyers and the Department of Environment and Conservation in seeing this restoration completed.” 

The cabins were restored to still have a rustic charm but were updated with appliances such as central heat and air and dishwashers. Some original furnishings were used in the renovations, and all new ones were hand-made. All of the cabins feature a king-sized bed and twin bed with linens provided. Each has a fireplace, coffee maker, oven, and stovetop. There’s also a picnic table and grill outside.

According to the Tennessee State Parks’ website, the cabins are designed to offer visitors a glimpse into the past. 

The website states, “The entire park exists as a testament to the beauty and architectural achievements of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Visitors will enjoy the way Byrd Lake forms the central feature of the park. Activities like fishing, paddling, mountain biking, hiking, and golfing on a Jack Nicklaus signature course will make this a wonderful vacation destination for any traveler.”

The park also has a snack bar, restaurant, gift shop, tennis court, and playground. It’s located near other popular areas, such as Ozone Falls and Black Mountain. 

There are three large Timber Lodge cabins in the park as well, overlooking Byrd Lake.

About the Author:

Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative 

Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Directory for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen and the Crossville Chronicle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com