Cummins Falls is another of those TN waterfalls that almost looks too good on camera.
The water crashes 75 feet over a wide collection of rock ledges down into Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. As one of the most scenic settings for falls, it remains one of the well recognised waterfall scenes around middle Tennessee. To Tennessee State Parks, Cummins Falls is the 8th largest falls in Tennessee in term of volume.
There’s an important distinction to be aware of if Cummins Falls has made it onto your adventure wish list;
Seeing the falls from the overlook and hiking down into the gorge to be at the base are two different things.
The overlook was generally an easy place to get to.”
To reach the swimming area beneath the fall, sometimes you have to hike and walk through water and climb and cross wet, slippery rocks. There is a permit required to enter the gorge and access can be closed with little warning, when weather or water conditions become too unsafe.
None of that is to say that you should avoid Cummins Falls — only that it is one of those instances where knowing what to expect in advance can affect your entire trip!
Where Is Cummins Falls State Park?
Cummins Falls State Park is located in Jackson County northeast of Cookeville, at:
390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501
From Nashville it takes about an hour and twenty to an hour and a half depending on where you are starting and traffic.
Due to its proximity to Middle Tennessee (it would only be an hour and twenty minutes to an hour and a half from Nashville depending upon your starting point and traffic) it makes it manageable for a day trip. But give yourself plenty of time. This is not a roadside waterfall that is a quick stop along the way.
If you’re staying around Cookeville, then the park is an even easier addition to a weekend exploring this part of Tennessee.
You Don’t Have to Hike Into the Gorge to See the Waterfall
This is perhaps the most useful information for guests with small children, older family members or those whom are not in a position to take on strenuous hikes.
But there is an overlook that does not involve hiking to the bottom of Cummins Falls.
Hiking and swimming may become more viable at Cummins Falls, but the Falls Overlook Trail, a relatively flat walking trail at approximately 0.35 miles, is the easiest option and listed as an easy trail by Tennessee State Parks. Plus, at Cummins Falls, state officials highlight a wheelchair-accessible overlook.
While it is an enjoyable viewing point, for some it is not enough.
And still enjoy a taste of the waterfall and gorge without tackling river crossings and slippery rocks to get to the swimming hole.
However, if all you want to do is see the Falls, there is really no reason you have to do the full hike.
Hiking to the Base Is a Different Adventure
If you have seen photos of people swimming under Cummins Falls, then they are down inside the gorge.
That is the more adventurous option.
Tennessee State Parks is clear about what it involves.
This involves traversing over uneven natural terrain, a substantial elevation change, rocky riverbed, creek crossings, boulders and other obstacles. Conditions can vary, potentially requiring creek wading or swimming and rock climbing across slippery rocks.
The state has classified visiting the gorge as strenuous, physically demanding activity.
So I would definitely not describe this as an easy family waterfall hike.
However for a physically capable and fully aware person, getting to the base can easily be the high light of the trip and there certainly will be some who still do it.
But for someone expecting a paved path to go swimming.
You Need a Permit to Enter the Gorge
If you wish to visit the gorge or the base of Cummins Falls you must have a Gorge Access Permit.
Currently
A permit does not also guarantee that the gorge in open.
Access is dependent upon weather conditions and river conditions.
The park may close the gorge when conditions are unsafe; however, from its permit system it warns that weather closures may occur with no advanced warning.
Do not leave home for Kaaterskill by simply checking the weather in your area while assuming that the gorge will be open if the weather looks good.
Flash Flooding Is a Real Concern
This is the safety issue I’d take most seriously.
Flash flooding is an issue in the gorge of Cummins Falls.
Rain does not need to be falling over the park in order for water to rise. The Tennessee State Parks warned the creek can raise in minutes from upstream precipitation and changing conditions in the gorge in minutes.
If the gorge is closed by park workers, understand that it’s not an exaggeration (they do check).
If you are at the falls and you notice a change in the water, an increase of volume or how fast it is moving, know that it can change rapidly and you should abide by park staff requirements to leave.
Do not let this conjure a scary image of Cummins Falls in your head. Thousands of people visit and enjoy theme park.
It’s an uncontrolled natural river gorge and should be treated like one.
Is Cummins Falls Good for Kids?
But depends what part of the park are you visiting?
The overlook: This is much, much easier of an option for families.
The gorge and waterfall base: A much more demanding experience.
It is recommended by Tennessee State Parks that ‘children age 5 and younger not go to the falls.’ (Children aged ’12 and under must wear a life jacket at the falls and also be accompanied by an adult)’
The parents should make their decision based on their child’s general experience around moving water, their capability to handle difficult terrain and hike over muddy trails and slippery rocks and several river crossings and not just based on the age of their child.
The park also recommends bringing a personal flotation device as there are a limited number of life jackets available on site.
If in doubt with families, I would choose the overlook first.
Then to still explore the park there without having to walk the gore.
Can You Swim at Cummins Falls?
You can swim and wade at the base of the mighty Waterfall only after the gorge opens and is considered safe for people going there.
But again, it is natural moving water not a supervised swimming pool.
Depth, current, and conditions can vary.
Lifejackets are compulsory for kids 12 and under at the falls and a good idea for others who are not strong swimmers.
Bigger issues than “can I swim” are at play.
It’s whether you are prepared for the amount of hiking and travel you have to do in the river, to get there and back.
What Should You Wear?
“For just the overlook, the trail is paved with normal road so comfy walking shoes (normal shoes generally) will probably be fine for most visitors.”
Entering the gorge is an entirely different matter.
I would bring:
- Good gripping shoes that can get wet
- Water activities clothes
- Swimsuit if you want to swim
- Afterwards: towel and Change of dry clothes
- Drinking Water
- Sunshine facts and figures on sun protection
- A small backpack
- A well-fitting life-jacket where suited
Do not attempt the gorge in flimsy flip-flops.
It is where water and slick rock and better footwear would matter.
Keep anything you do not want to get wet, such as your phones, keys and wallets, in a waterproof bag/case.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
If swimming is part of your agenda, summer is an obvious choice, however this also means that the waterfall swimming holes tend to be the busiest.
Spring (my second choice for my next time) can bring stunning views while still making the most of the weather, but perhaps still not fully optimal for consistent swimming due to variable rainfall.
Otherwise, Fall if you’ re into the scenery & walking aspect on longer hikes & don’ t mind more variable water conditions vs being in the water a long time in the summer heat.
If your primary goal is to experience the overlook, Cummins Falls continues to offer an enticing option in colder months. Tennessee State Parks emphasize the overlook as a means of enjoying the falls without entering the canyon.
And here more than in most, the conditions matter more than simply “what month is it?”.
Check the forecast and current alerts on the park’s website before you leave.
What Else Is Nearby?
Cummins Falls is best visited as part of a Cookeville-area trip.
Another option nearby and different, is Burgess Falls State Park.
Cookeville itself has tons to choose from for lunch or dinner before you head back home.
If you want to spend the night, Tennessee State Parks recommends both the nearby Edgar Evins State Park and Standing Stone State Park since both parks offer overnight accommodations.
Turning the visit into more than a single day trip from Nashville will enable an entire weekend enjoying waterfalls, hiking, exploring small towns and lakes.
Quick Facts About Cummins Falls
Location: 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, Tennessee
Waterfall height: 75 feet
Claim to fame: Tennessee’s eighth-largest waterfall by volume
Overlook: Yes
Fall’s Overlook: Length Approximately: 0.35 miles – Rated as easy by Tennessee State Parks
Swimming: Allowed at the base if Gorge conditions permit
Gorge permit: Required to enter the gorge or visit the base of the waterfall
Difficulty difficulty gorge: strenuous and challenging physically
Younger children: Tennessee State Parks do not recommend children 5 and under go to the falls.
Life jackets: Life jackets are required at the falls for children 12 and younger.
Weather: Gorge access may be closed because of rainfall, high water or flash-flood risk
Camping: Primarily for day-use, consider Tennessee state parks for overnight accommodation.
Is Cummins Falls Worth Visiting?
Yes, but decide what KIND of visit you want before you show up:
If you want something relatively easy, then driving to the overlook, from which you can see one of Tennessee’s most impressive waterfalls, fits the bill.
If you are after a more active outdoor experience and conditions are safe, consider getting a gorge permit and making the trek to the foot of the falls.
That’s what fascinates in Cummins Falls.
You don’t have to do the hardest part of the trip to love the park, but those ready for the gorge are in for a completely new Cummins Falls perspective.
Either way, this is one area where it is worth doing a little homework before you set out.
Make sure you check current conditions and Gorge Access Permit info at the Tennessee State Parks website before driving there.
