Hiking and Swimming at Cummins Falls State Park

Discover the adventure of hiking steep trails, hopping boulders, and wading through rivers to reach Tennessee's eighth-largest waterfall at Cummins Falls State Park.

Last updated: May 2024

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Free park access, $6 permit fee for entering the gorge.

Description

Cummins Falls State Park in Cookeville, Tennessee, offers an adventurous experience centered around its 75-foot waterfall and the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. This day-use park spans 306 acres and is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure. The main attraction is the Cummins Falls hike, which involves a steep descent into the gorge, crossing slippery boulders, and wading through the river to reach the epic swimming hole at the base of the falls. You'll also find scenic overlooks and picnic areas. To access the base of the waterfall, you need a permit, but the park is open for free to enjoy its overlooks and land trails.

What's included

Access to the scenic trails and overlooks
Two hiking routes to the waterfall
Picnic areas near the visitor center
Swimming in the gorge (with a permit)

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

Start at the Visitor Center: Arrive early to secure parking, collect your permit, and plan your route.
Choose Your Route: Decide between the shorter (2-mile) and longer (3-mile) trails to reach the base of Cummins Falls.
Take the Trail: Follow the trail down into the gorge. Be prepared for steep descents, slippery boulders, and water crossings.
Reach the Falls: Follow the river trail, navigating obstacles and crossing the river to reach the 75-foot waterfall.
Enjoy Swimming: With a permit, you can swim in the natural swimming hole at the base of the falls.
Return to the Trailhead: Start your return journey from the base by 5:00 PM in-season to exit by park closing time.

Location

390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501

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Packing List

Dry bag
Small towel
Water and snacks
Sturdy water shoes with traction
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swimsuit
Waterproof camera
Life jacket (recommended, especially for kids)

4.7 ● Google reviews

ANUSHA BALEHOLA

2 months ago

It was an amazing experience and definitely worth the visit! The entire trip took us around 1.5 to 2 hours, including spending about 30–45 minutes relaxing at the waterfall. I highly recommend wearing water shoes, especially if you plan to take the trail through the water and rocky sections, you'll almost certainly get your feet and legs wet. Bringing a small bag with water and snacks is also a good idea. Once you reach the waterfall, there’s plenty of space on the rocks to sit, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have a snack while taking in the view (especially if it’s not too crowded). Overall, a good short and easy hike with a rewarding destination!
Michelle Peralta

2 weeks ago

This was the cutest State Park! Definitely a must see! They have a great trail for looking over and also to get directly to the Falls! I absolutely loved it completely and wish we could’ve got in the water! We were just too tired and didn’t bring bathing suits. Please bring bathing suits and get there! Guarantee 💯💯💯 you will enjoy!
David Montgomery

4 weeks ago

Great family hike to a gorgeous water fall. The area for the most part is good and clean other than the occasional litter found off the path left my some degenerate. The staff are very friendly and informative. The hike is fun however very slippery walking through the water. It does get pretty crowded through the afternoon. I would recommend getting there a bit early if you want to avoid the busiest part of the day. Either way you will enjoy everything from the hike to the cool water of the falls.
P Murphy

a month ago

The hike down (then back up) to the gorge was vigorous, but well worth it. It's $7 per person to hike down to the gorge. You can hike to overlook free of charge. The hike through the gorge to the falls was alot longer than we thought but was a gorgeous hike over rocks and thru water to get to a beautiful waterfall and shining hole. We hike several falls in the area this week and Cummins Falls was our favorite.
Betty Hunt

3 months ago

Easy stroll to a spectacular waterfall that is 1 mile round trip. The gentle path through the woods has some tree roots. The overlook trail is considered handicapped accessible. I think you would need a special wheelchair to navigate through the woods though. At the overlook, you can enjoy the 75-ft tall waterfall. Also noted the beautiful Mountain Laurel in bloom. A permit is needed to hike down into the gorge.