Cummins Falls State Park
Warning Alert
Before You Visit Cummins Falls
A Gorge Access Permit is required to visit the base of the waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only accessible on fair-weather days.
Cummins Falls is a natural area with inherent safety risks.
- The gorge is prone to flash flooding.
- Changes in water levels in the gorge can result in the sudden closure of trail access to the base of the falls.
- Rain can significantly affect the amount of water over the falls, so visitors are encouraged to check the weather forecast in the days leading up to their visit. Even if it isn't raining at the park, rain upstream can raise water levels in a matter of minutes.
- Please remain aware of your surroundings during your visit, and exit the base if you notice water volume increasing.
You should comply with the park’s safety instructions. We recommend that children 5 and under not go to the falls. Children 12 and under must wear life vests at falls and be accompanied by an adult.
Visiting the gorge is a very strenuous, physically demanding activity. Visiting the waterfall will require:
- Strenuous Hiking
- Swimming or wading through water
- Climbing Rocks
- Crossing Slippery Rocks
For the most up-to-date information, please check the Cummins Falls State Park Facebook page. On-site park staff will post photos and trail closure alerts on that page.
Accessibility Road Under Maintenance
Due to maintenance, our accessible parking at the Waterfall Overlook has restricted access. However, our all-terrain wheelchairs are still operational for those who would like to put in a request either online or on a first-come basis onsite. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Explore the Park
Safety and Accessibility
Picnic Area
The park’s picnic area is located across the road from the parking lot. The area has several tables scattered around the old Cummins Family home site that are shaded from the sun. The picnic area is considered primitive — the ground is not level and there are no grills. Although not formally landscaped, the old home site provides a particularly scenic backdrop in the spring when the daffodils are in bloom.
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Fishing at Cummins Falls
This section of the Blackburn Fork Scenic River is too shallow for boating. However, the river provides decent wade and bank fishing for Bass and Bluegill. Fishing in not allowed in the plunge pool.
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Cummins Falls State Park, @brandon_engle23
Hiking at Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls has both challenging and strenuous trails as well as accessible trails giving different views of the park. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Park Activities
Park Amenities
- Fishing
- Gift Shop
- Trails
- Swimming
- Waterfalls
- All-Terrain Wheelchair
- Wheelchair-Friendly Overlooks
Inspiration
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Waterfalls in Middle Tennessee: What to See and Where to Stay
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Tennessee State Park Road Trips
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Support Native Habitats
Participate in the Honey Project and installed six new honeybee hives. Planted pine trees and tulip poplars throughout the park. Promote native bees with solitary bee boxes.
Teach Community
Lead a Jr. Ranger Camp composting class, demonstrating steps and importance.
Safe Bike Route
Established a bike trail providing a safe route to the park from a local bike shop.
Energy Efficiency
Utilize solar-powered restroom lights.
Reduce Erosion
Prevent erosion and protect the ecosystem along the trail to the falls through gravel, mulching, and boxed-in earthen steps.
Recycling
Strategic placement of trash and recycling dumpsters.
Maintain Gardens
Maintain rain gardens in in conjunction with Friends of Cummins Falls and park neighbors. Maintain native plant gardens at the Visitor Center.