Cummins Falls State Park

A scenic hike into the Cummins Falls gorge will provide you with adventure and breathtaking views.

In the quiet town of Cookeville, Tennessee, about an hour outside of Nashville, you will find the 282-acre Cummins Falls State Park. This park features a downhill 1.5-mile one-way hike through lush greenery into the Cummins Falls gorge, where you will find the beautiful 75-foot tall waterfall. To gain access to the gorge, it is important to note that you will need to purchase a $5 permit online prior to beginning the hike. It is also not recommended for children under the age of 5 to try and complete the full hike. There are still picnic areas and scenic overlooks for those who don't intend on making the full descent. 

Depending on the time of year and water levels, you will be required to wade through water in the gorge that could be around shin or knee-deep to get to the falls. During this section of the hike, there are also many slippery rocks and stones surrounding the area, so good footwear that is preferably waterproof is ideal. The portion of the hike that you have to complete through the gorge is about a quarter of a mile, and you can hang out and explore the falls until it closes at 5 PM.

The waterfall is a sight that definitely makes the hike well worth it, and on days with nice weather it is open for exploring, climbing, and swimming. Summer and autumn are lovely seasons to visit. If you do visit during autumn, you are bound to witness incredible views of vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves surrounding the falls. On days where rain is a risk within the watershed, the gorge may be closed or you will be instructed to proceed with extreme caution, as the area is prone to having flash floods.