Cumberland County’s Grassy Cove, the largest sinkhole in the United States, carries with it a tight farming community, and a rich storied history dating back to before the Civil War.
County Historian Barbara Parsons said cove functions as a massive sinkhole that spans an area of roughly eight miles. Parsons said it is chock-full with secret caves and hidden mysteries.
“Once you go there, that’s it,” Parsons said. “I mean, you’re going to fall in love with it too whether you want to or not because it’s just so unique. And the land that’s actually inside the cove, which we consider if you look at the cove, which is the largest karst depression in North America, which to a layman that would be like being a sinkhole. And it is designated a National Natural Wonder.”
Parsons said the geography resembles a large bowl or cauldron when viewed from the surrounding mountains.Parsons said the cove includes a smaller replica known as Little Cove, which is situated on private property owned by a descendant of the original settlers.
“If you go over it in a helicopter, it looks like you’re looking down into a volcano. That’s the description of the cauldron itself,” Parsons said.
Parsons said the soil within the karst depression is extremely rich, leading the community to remain primarily focused on farming since its formation in 1801.
According to Parsons, Devil Step Hollow Cave was run by Aunt Polly Hand as a base for the underground railroad to free slaves during the Civil War. Parsons said the cove served as a microcosm for internal strife in the surrounding areas.
Parsons said the area also contains the Saltpeter Cave, which was used by both Union and Confederate soldiers to produce ingredients for gunpowder. Parsons said the cave was once the site of a local legend involving a petrified Confederate soldier whose body was hidden by a group of men and never recovered.
Parsons said she suggests explorers view the cove from trailheads at Black Mountain, visit the local Methodist Church cemetery to see the historical site and stop at the John Kemmer antique store while in town.
Parsons said the caves in the area are currently closed to the public to protect endangered bat species and ensure safety. Parsons said the restricted access also helps preserve historical features like the Native American mud glyphs tucked away hundreds of feet inside the tavern.
“I’m not really opposed to that especially in the Devil’s Step Hollow cave,” Parsons said.
Cove Creek runs into the side of a mountain and empties into Devil’s Step Hollow underground. The state of Tennessee has acquired the Devil’s Step Hollow property in 2007 to preserve it as a state park.
TennGreen Land Conservancy currently protects about 10,000 acres in Cumberland County, including Grassy Cove.