Bunkum Cave/Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Site Directions: Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum is located just a few miles west of Byrdstown. It is 1.5 miles off Hwy. 111 on State Route 325.
Lat-Long: 36.58029, -85.19296
Hours: April-October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST daily,
November-March, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CST daily
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none
Site Description: The Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum is a historic site owned by the State of Tennessee. The site consists of a representation of Hull's log cabin birthplace, an activities center and a museum housing documents and artifacts. Also on the park, and highly recommended, is beautiful Bunkum Cave Trail leading to an overlook and the actual entrance of historic Bunkum Cave where Cordell Hull's father made moonshine years ago. The trail leads through a bottomland hardwood forest with an understory of pawpaw (Asimina trilobia).
Bunkum Cave Trail is rated moderate due to many gentle hills. The hike to the overlook is 1.5 miles roundtrip, and the hike to the cave entrance is an additional ½ mile (2.5 miles roundtrip). Meandering through the mixed deciduous forest, the hiker may be able to view a variety of plant and animal life. The view of the cave is most impressive, the entrance measures 100 feet wide and 50 feet tall. Visitors are welcome to explore the beginning of the cave but as of June 2009, the cave is closed to protect bats from White Nose Syndrome.
Wildlife to Watch: Woodland birding is good year round. Typical resident birds including Northern Cardinal, Blue Jays, and Tufted Titmouse are common. Neotropical migrant songbirds found along the trail include Scarlet Tanager and Ovenbird. Spring wildflowers in late March - early May are exceptional.
For more information:
Bunkum Cave/Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail
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Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.