Cummins Falls State Park — Attraction in Cookeville

WOW! This is my FAVORITE hiking spot in Tennessee. The hike is not for first time hikers but it is not a terribly difficult either. There are 2 times in the hike where you MUST walk in the water (and trust me when I say you MUST enter the water as two of my friends tried EVER way possible but then ended up going into the water).

Once you hit the water portion of the hike, you will be halfway there! Then at the falls, you will need to climb across rocks to get to the actual waterfall. You can see the rocks you will have to climb over in the picture below.

If you plan to go down to the water fall to swim and jump off the lower part of the falls, I recommend getting your tickets AT LEAST one month in advance as they sell out quickly and they have a limited amount of people allowed down to the falls due to safety reasons. The tickets are non-refundable and not transferable. If you want to look at the falls and take a picture from above, there is a platform you can go to without a ticket.

Before going on this hike, I recommend going to Burgess Falls and hiking to the lowest falls. If you can do this easily, then you will have no problem with this hike.

ALSO, if you are going on this hike, wear proper footwear. Flip flops and sliders are NOT for this hike unless you want a twisted ankle. Tennis shoes or even short ankle hiking boots will not be good options as the water you must walk through is at least mid to upper shin level. Chacos are my shoe of choice as they are great water hiking shoes. The falls is made of a slate type of rock and is VERY slippery. You can walk up to the middle portion of the falls from the bottom and stand under the falls and if you ever fall (which I did when I was younger), it is a very uncomfortable slide down to the bottom.

The very last level of the falls in the center, you can jump off into the pool below. It is shallow right where you jump so I don't recommend any trick jumps, especially no diving. Out in the middle it is too deep to touch, but under the jumping area, you can stand if you are around 5 foot 5ish or taller.

One park ranger, every Saturday and Sunday I believe, brings a sealed rock with a printed logo of the state park trail sign on it and hides it around the pool area of the falls and up in the falls area out of the water somewhere for a lucky someone to find. I have never found it but always look! He only asks to take a picture with the finder each time.

All in all, it is a gem of a place that I recommend anyone in the area to take half a day of their trip to go to. Going early around 8AM you will have it mostly to yourself (as it gets crowded). I would a lot for about 5 hours of your day minimum for the hike if you plan to swim and 3 hours if you plan to go, hike to the bottom, take a few pictures, and...

#DogelonMarsAmbassador #DogelonMars $ELON loves Cummins Falls. $ELON is the ticker

A Vibrant Ode to Nature and Community at Cummins Falls

The #DogelonMarsAmbassador has struck gold at Cummins Falls, and it’s no surprise why $ELON is buzzing with excitement! This Tennessee gem, nestled in a breathtaking gorge, is a haven for adventure, healing, and human connection. For just $7 per person, you can descend into the gorge’s rugged beauty—though be warned, this isn’t a stroll in the park. Water shoes and a waterproof phone lanyard are non-negotiable, and the hand-carved walking sticks at the gift shop are a charming touch for navigating the challenging terrain.

What sets Cummins Falls apart is its vibrant tapestry of humanity. As the post beautifully notes, this place is a true melting pot, with people of every background coming together in joy. From lovers stealing kisses to parents guiding their kids across river rocks, the scene is a heartwarming display of connection and play. The falls themselves are a natural wonder, offering ionic exchange and reflexology benefits that can “reorganize your nervous system.” Whether you’re wading through pools, riding gentle river runs, or lounging on boulders with a book, there’s something for everyone. Kids problem-solve as they clamber over rocks, dogs chase rapids, and curious explorers hunt for arrowheads or use Google Lens to identify the gorge’s flora, fauna, and fossils.

Safety is paramount here, with a highly trained lifeguard keeping a sharp eye on swimmers—spotting distress in an instant, even when someone claims they can swim. The gorge’s untouched, natural state is both its charm and its challenge, so check water levels on TN.gov before you go. The RV park is a darling addition, set in a picturesque landscape, complemented by a restaurant, picnic tables, bathrooms, and geology/hydrology info. And who could resist the baby owl in the gift shop?

Cummins Falls is more than a destination; it’s a celebration of nature’s raw beauty and humanity’s shared spirit. Just don’t forget those water shoes—you’ll need them to navigate this unforgettable adventure. #DogelonMars

Whatever you do = do not miss the ice cream at the Old Mill Shop at RV...

Talk about a worthy Apex on a road trip from Chicago. Once I heard it was free, I knew it was a must visit. We were expecting it to he huge, but pictures don't do any justice. Pulling in, there was a clearly marked gate, and even park staff was directing traffic. We came before noon so we had an advantage of a closer parking space and Mich shorter walk. The overflow parking is right next to the entrance with an extra 15 minute walk to the trailhead, so come early. It's worth beating the heat too in the summer.

The trail is well kept. Handrails on spots, and even steps in the ground. Seems like there was a pile of lumber near the ranger station at the trailhead so likely a step refresh is in the works.

Shady decent with plenty of "breathing" points. Once at the bottom river, prepare to get wet. Not too slippery all over, however some points had loose river stone so arms were flailing around every here and there. I saw all ages on the trail on my Memorial Day weekend visit. A newborn on a back carrier to an elderly woman (who was adventurous to jump off the lower fall to the swimming hole, but we'll get to that in a second). Overall, worthy of any visit for all ages of the family.

Along the river to the final destination, you'll find a few neat features. A few sets of falls on the edge which is worthy of a tricky climb to more falls above it. Also a few nice swimming holes that can get up pretty deep so beware if you're wading your way through, neck high water in a few spots.

Waterfalls themselves we're full of power. Deep swimming hole so jumping in is a bucket-list lover's dream, and a climb up the falls to the main set is a necessity. Again, not too slippery as I did it barefoot, however good water shoes would be a bonus.

They had a few rangers at the hole as this is a very popular spot for visitors and it can get pretty uncomfortable at times, but everyone is having fun and very courteous. Little to no trash anywhere either!

One ranger told us this is the #8 largest waterfall in the state, and the deepest point in the swimming hole is up to 15' deep. Just beware of jumping off the edges as the deep parts are near the center and base of the...