Cove Lake Paved Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek

Restrooms and water can be found throughout the park. Depending on what part of the park that you are in, refer to the park map found here: tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf…

Cove Lake Paved Trail is a series of paved paths that meander through Cove Lake State Park. Starting at the parking lot, you can take whatever path you want. One option is to follow the trail past the playground along the lake. You can see various birds that call Cove Lake home as you make your way to a viewing platform which provides good views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

From here, the trail enters the woods and rolls gently through the woods of the park. Deer, squirrels, and various woodland birds can be seen along this section of trail. The trail does a loop and arrives back along the lake. Following the lake, you pass the playground again and make your way toward the fishing pier in Cove Lake. There are some great views here.

From here, the Storybook Trail begins where the Owl Moon book by Jane Yolk is told on wooden panels spaced at different points along the trail. The book illustrations by John Schoenherr are shown and there are activities for children and families to participate in as they hike along the path. Cove Lake is on the right as it winds its way along this small peninsula. The trail crosses a short bridge through a marshy area.

The trail loops back around past the start of the Storybook Trail and then winds its way up toward the tennis courts and passes under the road through a tunnel. If you take a left when you get through the tunnel, the trail makes its way past the pool and makes its way to the camping area. The trail breaks to the right and passes a canoe/kayak rental area and makes its way back to the visitor center and then goes back under the road and back to the parking area. This trail can be broke up into various shorter hikes depending on how much time or the interests or abilities of your party. Its a great way to see a lot of Cove Lake State Park and all it has to offer.