Cummins Falls Highlights

Warning Alert

Before You Visit Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls State Park

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

Cummins Falls State Park

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.

  • Waterfall cascading over rocky ledges with surrounding cliffs.
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    A Treasured Oasis

    Journey to Cummins Falls State Park, where the raw power of nature meets the echoes of Tennessee's past. Here, the magnificent 75-foot Cummins Falls plunges into a refreshing pool, inviting you to explore a landscape shaped by time and water. But there's more to this park than just its stunning centerpiece. Discover the stories etched into its land, from pioneer settlements to ecological wonders. 

    Discover Cummins Falls State Park

    More than just a pretty waterfall, Cummins Falls State Park is a testament to community dedication and the preservation of natural beauty. For generations, the Cummins family cared for this land, their history intertwined with the falls themselves. In recent years, recognizing the ecological significance and recreational potential of the area, a passionate movement arose to protect it. Through collaborative efforts, this precious landscape was transformed into a state park, ensuring that future generations can experience the awe-inspiring power and tranquility of Cummins Falls. Come and witness the culmination of a shared vision, where nature's grandeur and human stewardship converge to create an unforgettable destination.
    • barn in a mountain scape

    History

    The story of Cummins Falls State Park is deeply rooted in the history of the Cummins family who owned the land for over 200 years.

    When bison still roamed the land that would eventually become the State of Tennessee, they used the shallow river basin about a quarter mile east of the falls as a wallow. As indicated by numerous arrowheads found at the site, Native Americans used this area to hunt bison for food and clothing. 

    In 1790, Revolutionary War veteran Sergeant Benjamin Blackburn — for whom the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River is named — was awarded this land in lieu of a pension. Around 1825, Blackburn sold the land to John Cummins, who built a water-driven mill on the river, drawing local residents to the area for commerce and recreation. After the mill washed away in the 1928 flood, it was not rebuilt, but this land stayed in the Cummins family for nearly 180 more years.

    The falls and surrounding land were purchased by the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation using both public and private donations. The 211-acre site was designated a state park in 2011. Today, Cummins Falls State Park stands as a protected natural area, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and breathtaking scenery.

    From the Rangers

      • CREEK AND MOUNTAINS

      The Perfect Day 

      For the perfect day at Cummins Falls State Park, start with a hike to the base of the falls along the river also known as the gorge, a top-rated experience. If time is limited, the overlook offers a great view. Remember to obtain a permit for the gorge hike and check gorge conditions for the day and any closures of areas.  

      • barn in the woods

      Insider Information 

      For a less crowded experience, explore the meadow area of the park, where you can hike through wildflowers to scenic overlooks of the river. Visit in early March to see the daffodils blooming around the old Cummins House in the picnic area. Don't miss the Storybook Trail, accessible from the Low Gap trailhead. 

      • person hiking during fall

      Know Before You Go 

      Planning a trip to Cummins Falls State Park? Be aware that cell service is limited in many areas of the park, though you can find service in the main parking lot. Guest Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center. Please be prepared for potential gorge closures due to rainfall and flash flooding.

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

    Address:
    390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville TN, 38501
    1-931-268-7223

    Hours: 
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Land and Water

      • Man in wheelchair and park ranger smiling on forest trail.

      Trails

      The Meadow Trails at Cummins Falls are typically quieter and less traveled, and you are likely to see more birds and other wildlife. Start at the Low Gap trailhead across the parking lot from the Visitor Center.

      • A frozen waterfall covered in icicles cascades over layered rock formations into a calm pool. The scene is serene and evokes a sense of winter stillness.

      Water Features

      The park's centerpiece is, of course, the magnificent Cummins Falls, a 75-foot cascade that plunges into a refreshing pool. The base of the waterfall offers stunning views of the surrounding gorge. Visitors can wade and swim in the plunge pool below the falls, but children 12 and under must wear a life jacket.

    Plants

    Cummins Falls State Park boasts a diverse array of flora, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers.

    As you explore the park, be sure to ask a Park Ranger about the unique plant life and its importance to the ecosystem.   

    • Cluster of light purple wildflowers with green leaves on forest floor.

    Plant Types

    • Hemlock (Eastern Hemlock)
    • Eastern White Pine 
    • Mountain Laurel
    • Tulip Poplar (Tulip Tree, State Tree)
    • Sycamore (American Sycamore)
    • Blue Violet
    • Wild Blue Phlox
    • Virginia Bluebell

    Animals

    Keep an eye out for the diverse fauna that calls Cummins Falls home.

    Park Rangers can provide valuable insights into the local wildlife and their habitats.  

    • Ranger presenting a snake to a group of children in a classroom.

    Animal Species

    • Copperhead
    • Wild Turkey
    • Squirrels
    • Bobcat
    • Deer

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

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