Hawkins Cove State Natural Area

Hawkins Cove is a 249-acre natural area located in Franklin County. It was originally acquired by The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee and then sold to the State to protect a population of Cumberland rosinweed (Silphium brachiatum). Cumberland rosinweed is a type of sunflower found only on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. It was first described in 1800s by Augustin Gattinger in this same general vicinity. The forest within the natural area consists mostly of oaks and hickories occurring on a north facing colluvial slope. A powerline right-of-way traverses the property and an old railroad grade forms the eastern boundary. There are a few small limestone cedar barrens found scattered on the property. These barrens and openings provide the best habitat for the Cumberland rosinweed. The natural area is part of the South Cumberland Recreation Area.

Site Management

South Cumberland Recreation Area, Route 1, Box 2196, Monteagle, TN 37356, phone (931) 924-2980. Division of Natural Areas, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, phone (615) 532-0431.

Public Access

Open to the Public - Limited
Parking or hiking trails are not provided at this time. Hunting is allowed in the area by permit. Contact the South Cumberland Recreation Area office to obtain a permit. The natural area is operated by Tennessee State Parks. Call South Cumberland Recreation Area or the Division of Natural Areas for additional information.Access

Parking: Yes

Trail: No

Dogs on Leash: No

Hunting: Specific reg.

Fishing: Yes

Camping: No

Directions

Hawkins Cove is located halfway between Sewanee and Cowan along the south side of Highway Alt. US 41.

Details & Map

• Map to Hawkins Cove
• Owned by the State of Tennessee
• Sewanee 7.5-minute quadrangle
• Cumberland Plateau Physiographic Province
• Designated in 1985