Discover Cummins Falls – One of Tennessee’s Most Picturesque Waterfalls

The Tennessee summer is the best time to check out some of the state’s natural water features. But many of these picture-perfect locations are open year-round. Take a trip and Discover Cummins Falls – one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls. There’s no waterfall quite like it.

Where to Find One of Tennessee’s Most Picturesque Waterfalls

Cummins Falls – one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls – is within the 306-acre Cummins Falls State Park. The park is located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim. The waterfall’s namesake, Cummins Falls, is 75 feet high. It’s Tennessee’s eighth-largest waterfall in terms of water volume and has served as a popular swimming hole for local residents for over a century. 

History of Cummins Falls

The rich history of Cummins Falls dates back centuries. Buffaloes roamed the indigenous land, frequently visiting one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls and the river to rest. But in 1790, Sergeant Benjamin Blackburn cashed in the land voucher he was awarded for participating in the Battle of Chickamauga. However, he sold the land to Scottish mill-builder John Cummins in 1825. Cummins used the land to build and run mills, allowing local residents to enjoy the surrounding falls. 

The mill washed away during the great flood of 1928, but highways and cars made it easier for residents to visit the falls. The mill was never restored, but the Cummins family owned the land until the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation purchased it. Cummins Falls State Park was created and became a designated state park in 2011. Today, Cummins is open year-round for visitors to hike, swim, fish, and picnic. 

What to Know Before Visiting the Gorge at Cummins Falls State Park

The gorge area and Cummins Falls are two points of interest. The natural features are beautiful and unaltered. However, the trail is rugged. Both the gorge and the waterfall are only accessible by foot. If you have mobility limitations or feel unfit to hike to the waterfall’s base, you can still enjoy the view from the waterfall overlook. 

Two routes access the gorge. One route is about one mile long, while the other is 1.5 miles. They are both steep with uneven terrain. Be prepared for multiple water crossings, climbing slippery surfaces, and significant elevation drops. But seeing the picturesque waterfall makes the challenge worthwhile.

Here are some additional things to know if you’re visiting Cummins Falls State Park to see one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls or hike through the gorge:

• Park hours are 8:00 A.M until 6:00 P.M during the in-season. The park closes at 4:30 P.M during the off-season.
• Limites Gorge Access Permits are required to enter the gorge, including the waterfall’s base.
• Watching a safety video before hiking is required.
• The gorge area closes at 5:00 P.M. in season.
• Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
• The gorge hike is not on an improved trail. Children 5 and under are not recommended to enter the gorge, and adults must accompany children 12 and under. 
• Visitors should plan to picnic at designated areas rather than the gorge area. 
• Coolers are not permitted in the gorge. 
• Pool floats are not allowed at the base of the waterfall. 

Things to Do at Cummins Falls State Park

Swimming

Cummins Falls is one of the best swimming holes in the United States. People from all over the country come to visit one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls every summer. The waterfall cascades into a clear, refreshing pool perfect for cooling off. There are various levels of rock shelves beneath the falls to lounge in the shady mist of the falls. The surrounding swimming hole is a very popular seasonal spot. Use caution while swimming and exploring the water. The water moves quickly, and the rocks are slippery.    

Hiking 

Several hiking trails run through Cummins Falls State Park, varying in length, and take visitors around different features. The Gorge Trail is the most popular but requires a permit to access. The other trails are less popular but don’t require a permit.

The hiking trails are:

• Blackburn Fork River Trail: .55 miles
• Blackburn Fork Trail Direct: .30 miles
• Falls Overlook Trail: .45 miles
• John Cummins trail: .45 miles
• Delia Bell Meadow Trail: 3 miles

Fishing 

Visitors can fish in the water above the falls. The Blackburn Fork River is an excellent spot for wading and bank fishing. Some of the fish you can catch include bass and bluegill. 

Camping

There is no camping allowed at Cummins Falls. However, visitors can camp nearby at Standing Stone Park or Edgar Evins State Park. If you’re willing to make the 27-mile drive to Edgar Elvins, they offer condo-style cabins year-round, but tent and RV camping is seasonal. On the other hand, Standing Stone is 24 miles away. They offer cabins as well as tent and trailer camping year-round. Other popular nearby lodging options include Old Mill Camp, right across the street, for tent and RV camping. Twin Lakes Catfish Farm is 7.9 miles away in Baxter and offers RV camping alongside other amenities.  

Wildlife Surrounding Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls is more than a popular tourist destination. In fact, it has a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are nearly 300 species of plants and trees, making it one of the most biodiverse parks in Tennessee. 

Cummins Falls is part of the Cordell Hull Watershed, which is a region in Tennessee that drains into the Cumberland River. The cool water and forest bordering the river make one of Tennessee’s most picturesque waterfalls a scenic centerpiece for some of the state’s native wildlife.  

The surrounding forest is home to turkeys, quail, eagles, blue jays, and other birds. Mink, softshell turtles, raccoons, deer, and foxes also live within the trees. Insects are also common. You’ll likely spot damselflies and dragonflies while hiking along any path. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jim Vallee/Shutterstock.com