The 667-acre Cove Lake State Park Recreational Area and its nearby sister parks, Big Ridge and Norris, were established in the 1930's as recreation demonstration areas by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corps. It was deeded to the State of Tennessee by the Federal Government in 1950. Cove Lake is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the towering Cumberland Mountains, and it is the winter home for some 400 Canada Geese. The geese are attracted by the quiet inlets, marshes, and fields of this area. They come in late fall and stay through early spring.
Many visitors come to the park during the wintertime just to see the geese.
This serene valley was once inhabited by ancient Americans. 1200 A.D. The Univeristy of Tennessee excavated their mounds and habitation sites in 1937.