Cummins Falls
Cookeville, TN
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| Photo: TN State Parks |
Cummins Falls, one of Tennessee's newest State Parks, boasts a 75 foot waterfall and has an excellent swimming hole for lounging in the water. Getting down to the water can be perilous, but the beauty of the falls and the surrounding area make up for any difficulty getting there.
Difficulty
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = Super Easy ::: 5 = Extremely Difficult)
Can Be Tricky - Be Careful
Description: The trail down to the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River is not too difficult, though it can be steep at times. Once you have hiked down the trail to the water (a good 30 minutes at a leisurely pace), you have to hike another ½ mile or so back upstream to get to the water falls. The trek over these mossy rocks can be very slick, so watch out! Even the most seasoned swimming hole visitors will fall on these tricky rocks and river beds. It's a good idea to make sure you have appropriate water shoes for this trip. Seriously, no flip-flops! You will break an ankle or something.
Note: The first time we went to Cummins Falls there was a rope at the beginning of the trail that allowed you to scale the side of the cliffs (a shortcut to the water - knocked about 30-ish minutes off of the trip to the falls). It was kinda scary and extremely difficult, but I loved it!!! Super dangerous, though. Wouldn't recommend getting down this way with children, or older folks. Two weeks later, the rope had mysteriously vanished. Not sure if it was gone due to injuries, or if it was being replaced. If the rope is there and you decide to go down it, be careful!
Water Quality
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = Dirty/Smelly/Grimey ::: 5 = Crystal Clear)
Pretty Good
Description: The water quality at the main swimming hole area and waterfall was nice, though it was lightly stained. I didn't notice any murky/smelly business with the water there. There was a little bit of litter here and there, but I didn't see a bunch of broken glass or anything around. I would definitely recommend wearing water shoes, though, to make sure you don't step on any glass or sharp rocks.
Water Temperature
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = BRRR!!! ::: 5 = OMG HOT)
Just Right
Description: The water temp up at the falls is nice and tepid, while the pool below is cool and refreshing.
Sun Exposure
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = Dark Side of the Moon ::: 5 = THE FACE OF THE SUN)
Sun (almost) Everywhere
Description: While there are a couple of shady spots at Cummins Falls, they move away too quickly to be a dependable spot for the whole day. are Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the Sun's evil rays.
Crowds
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = Super Isolated ::: 5 = Too Crowded for a Good Time)
Totally Not Alone
Description: While the crowds aren't so large they're a deal breaker for this spot, you probably shouldn't go there expecting any privacy. Cummins Falls continues to be pretty popular, and will be super crowded on holidays (We went on Memorial Day and it was packed).
Five-Oh
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = Minimal ::: 5 = Constant Supervision)
The (invisible) Man
Description: There was a park ranger at Cummins Falls when we went on Memorial Day, however two weeks later that was not the case. They weren't too bossy/pushy to be around, and it was good to know that someone responsible was there to take care of some of the touristy types if they fell and injured themselves on the slippery rocks. If you're going on a busy weekend, I would expect to see the rangers there. Bring a coozie if you want a beer.
Getting There
- From Nashville, take 40E to exit 286 (State Route 135N/S - Willow Ave)
- Turn left on to W 12th Street
- Continue onto TN-290 W - Gainesboro Grade
- Turn right onto Cummins Mill Road (the last gas station before you get to Cummins Falls will be on the corner)
- Turn left in to the Cummins Falls parking lot.
- Park and follow the dirt road to get to the trail head and waterfall viewing area.
Suggested Equipment
- Sun hat - There isn't a whole lot of shade, so you might want a sun hat to keep the sun off of your face.
- Sunscreen - Seriously! Don't get sunburned!!!
- Good water shoes - The rocks can be slippery, and it is a bit of a hike to get down to the water. I have these water shoes, and would recommend something like them for a trip like this.
- Coozies - If you want a beer, cover it up! Also if you don't bring a coozie, your beverage will get warm. No one wants a warm beer! Gross!
- Floats - There is an awesome pool at the bottom of this waterfall that seems like it was made for floating. Bring your float and chill out for a bit.
- Backpack Cooler - Bring your lunch!
Best Time To Get There
Since this place can get pretty crowded, I'd suggest getting there early, so you can get the best spot (in the shade!). It's about an hour and a half(ish) away from Nashville and will take almost an hour to get to via trails, so keep that in mind. Leave Nashville before 11 and get the most out of your day.
Side Trips/Additional Destinations
From the waterfall viewing area at the beginning of the trail, there is a short hike to the upper falls, (to the left of the viewing area), however both times I have gone to Cummins Falls, I was too preoccupied with getting to the main falls (and into the water!) to go the short hike to the upper falls area. I've heard it is nice, though.
If you continue down the river (downstream), you will eventually get to an awesome little swimming spot, that usually isn't very crowded. Pretty cool if you're looking for a secret swimming hole side trip.
Additional Photos
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| Cummins Falls, Memorial Day 2012 |
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| Cummins Falls, Memorial Day 2012 |
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| Cummins Falls, Memorial Day 2012 |
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