Diversity of the Plateau

  The Cumberland Plateau, in which Cumberland County and Fairfield Glade are located, is the southern part of the very large Appalachian Plateau.  The Cumberland Plateau covers approximately 679 square miles and over 75% of which is covered by virgin forest.  These forests are some of the largest stretches of contiguous forest in the eastern part of the United States.  84,000 acres of protected forest is located on the northern border of Fairfield Glade.  This area is called Catoosa Wildlife Management area.  Many of the animals, especially the deer wander back and forth between Catoosa and the Glade.

  The Plateau is made up of sandstone and shale dating back 500 million years with outcroppings everywhere.  Today it is a maze of rocky ridges and ravines, with droppings into large valleys dotted with waterfalls, caves and a large diversity of plant life.  Some of the greatest varieties of fish and mollusk species are located within the rivers and streams on the Plateau, with some of the richest wildflower areas are in the ravens and deep hollows.  It is also the highest vertical rise between the Rocky Mountains and the Smokey Mountains, reaching an elevation as high as 3,500 feet.

  A large number of waterfalls are close to Cumberland County, including Fall Creek Falls, the highest single plunge waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.  The Cumberland Plateau has the largest number of waterfalls within the whole Appalachian Plateau.  The closest waterfall is Ozone Falls just about 20 minutes east of Fairfield Glade. --  Map of Waterfalls  --


  One of the most impressive things about the Cumberland Plateau is that it has such high diversity of plant life, second only to a remote region in China.  The temperate climate of the area has contributed to this diversity. You will be amazed at the type of plants you will come across here on the Plateau.


  Every time that I am able to roam the Plateau, I come across something new and unique.  I believe it is a very special place and hope you take the time to explore and enjoy it as well.