Denny Cove was added to South Cumberland State Park in 2017 because of its outstanding rock climbing routes on the bluff, along its northern escarpment. It is home to well over 100 established sport climbing routes, as well as several challenging traditional climbs. Climbing grades range from 5.8 to 5.14. The majority of routes in Denny Cove fall into the 5.11 to 5.12 range.  Much of the cliff line at Denny Cove extends above the shade of trees; therefore peak climbing conditions will occur during cooler months. There is currently no camping in Denny Cove, and the gate closes 30 minutes after sunset Central Time. Rappelling in Denny Cove is prohibited.

Below the bluff, the trails in this area provide good access, both to the climbing areas and to the Denny Cove waterfall. The half-mile Denny Cove Access Trail, which leaves from the parking area trailhead, connects to each of the following trails:

• The Denny Cove Climbers’ Access consists of two trails, which diverge from the main trail, just past the trail's sharp left turn and descent across a small creek crossing, about a half mile from the trailhead and parking area.  Together, the Denny East and Denny West Climbers’ Access Trails provide climbers with access to nearly 500 different rock climbing routes: The Denny West Climbers’ Access (right at the split) is 1/4 mile in length, and the Denny East Climbers’ Access (left at the split) is about 3/4 mile in length.

• The Denny Cove Waterfall Trail is about one mile long.  It continues straight ahead at the Climbers’ Access trail junctions, and is considered moderate to strenuous, as it crosses numerous boulder and scree fields. The ‘falls’ is actually a beautiful double-drop cascade. Rocks near the cascade are often wet and slippery, so watch your footing as you approach the falls!

Return to the trailhead by retracing your original route, back along the Denny Cove Access Trail.