Cummins Falls For Educators
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.
Cummins Falls Educator Programs
Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger?
Tennessee State Parks offer accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today
Our Programs
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Field Trips
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School Outreach
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Self-guided/Teacher-led
What Do Cummins Falls Educator Programs Offer?
Cummins Falls State Park offers field trips and school outreach programs on topics such as:
- Geology
- Creek Hydrology
- Natural Regional History
- Agriculture & Ecology
- Park Career Options
How to Request a Program
Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.
To complete the form:
Funding Assistance
Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs at a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs and park program fees. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.
When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support.
What’s Next?
Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.
The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.
If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.
Submitting for Funding Reimbursement
To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:
- Bus invoice
- Park invoice
- Photos
- Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
- Student and teacher feedback