Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
go to the home button of the two RV Gypsies
Table of Contents
learn about Lee and Karen Duquette e-mail the two RV Gypsies please sign the Tow RV Gypsies' guestbook
The two RV Gypsies in Alaska
The two RV Gypsies adventures in Canada
Countries Karen and Lee Duquette visited cruises Karen and Lee Duquette have taken The two RV Gypsies travel in the USA
learn about Brian Lee Duquette's life and tragedy Flashback memories of the two RV Gypsies Links to other RV information useful hints for RV trips travel videos

The two RV Gypsies
at Cumberland Mountain State Park
24 Office Drive
Crossville, TN 38555
October 8, 2016

USA state showing location of TennesseeTennessee map showing location of Cumberland Mountain State Park

Cumberland Mountain State Park is situated on the Cumberland Plateau, a segment of the great upland, which extends from western New York to central Alabama. It is said to be the largest timbered plateau in America. Cumberland Mountain State Park began as part of the greater Cumberland Homesteads Project, a New Deal-era initiative by the Resettlement Administration that helped relocate poverty-stricken families on the Cumberland Plateau to small farms centered on what is now the Cumberland Homestead community. This 1,720-acre park was acquired in 1938 to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead on the Cumberland Plateau.

sign: Cumberland Mountain State Park entrance

sign: Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge

Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge was built between 1935 and 1940 for a 30-acre impoundment of Bryd's Creek. Read the sign in the above photo for more information. The park is located around Byrd Lake, a man-made lake created by the impoundment of Byrd Creek in the 1930s.

sign: Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge

Byrd Creek

First the two RV Gypsies strolled around Byrd Lake Trail which was only a 0.7 mile easy walk on a paved path. Then they hiked the Cumberland Plateau trail (the red trail) to the Byrd Creek Trail (the yellow trail) for a total of 3 miles. Part of the trail was easy, and part was a bit strenuous.

Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge

Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge

View from the other side of the bridge yields muddy brown water. The autumn colors were just starting to bloom.

Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge and muddy waters Cumberland Mountain Bridge and some fall colors
Cumberland Mountain Bridge and some fall colors muddy brown water
Cumberland Mountain Bridge and some fall colors

Duck butts

Duck butts

Duck butts

Below: The park amphitheater is behind the restaurant along the bank of Byrd Lake. Through the summer it is used for weekly programs and will seat 75 people. Each Sunday morning a non-denominational worship services is conducted for park guests.

Cumberland Mountain State Park amphitheater

blockage on Byrd Creek

The two RV Gypsies hiked on the Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail at Cumberland Mountain State Park.

Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail

Lee Duquette on Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail

Karen Duquette on Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail

Karen Duquette on Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail

A bridge in the woods

A bridge in the woods

A bridge in the woods

the two RV Gypsies on the bridge

Karen Duquette

Below: view from each side of the bridge

view 1 from the bridge view 2 from the bridge

laughing clipart dudeRabbit ears

Rabbit ears

look below
This is not a linear site, so there are three choices for continued navigation below:

go to the next adventure of the two RV GypsiesContinue navigation in the order of occurrence in 2016 - Obed River Arboretum Trail

OR

go back to the SD menu If you came here from the 2020 Cumberland Mountain State Park page with different photos, but the same history, return there now to continue the 2020 trips.

OR

go back to the SD menu Return to the Tennessee 2016 menu to continue navigation in the order of your choice.