Cummins Falls Base Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (8)
Cookeville, TN 38501
FallsTN
Cummins Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Cummins Falls with current gorge permit rules, child life-jacket requirements, overlook accessibility, visitor center facilities and weather-closure guidance.
Swimming restriction
Gorge access requires a permit and suitable conditions. Flash flooding can close the gorge without warning. Follow ranger instructions and closures; a purchased permit does not guarantee access. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult. The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Falls
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Paid Gorge Access Permit required for gorge entry; check current pricing. Other trails do not require this permit.
Best season
Check gorge status, permit availability and seasonal park hours before traveling. Leave enough time for the return hike
Nearby towns
Cookeville
Water body
Blackburn Fork
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Cookeville
Access location not verified
Cookeville, TN
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Cummins Falls
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Cummins Falls: overlook visit or gorge adventure?
The 75-foot waterfall on Blackburn Fork can be viewed from above or approached through the river gorge. These are different outings: the overlook avoids the river route, while reaching the waterfall base involves strenuous hiking, water crossings and slippery rocks.
Book gorge access before you travel
A paid Gorge Access Permit is required to enter the gorge or reach the waterfall base. Daily quantities are limited. Buy through the official reservation page and check current prices before booking. The park states that permits are not refundable, exchangeable or transferable to another date, including weather closures. Check official permits and policies.
Other park trails do not require a gorge permit. A permit is not a weather clearance: check park notices before departure and ask staff about river conditions when you arrive.
Children, footwear and equipment
Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult. The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban.
Bring your own properly fitting life jacket; the park has a limited loan supply. Wear sturdy closed-toe footwear and carry drinking water and snacks in a small backpack. Leave coolers, glass, strollers, alcohol and pool floats behind; life jackets are the exception to the float restriction.
Facilities and accessible viewing
The visitor center has a wheelchair-friendly restroom, an accessible outdoor water fountain and a gift shop. Picnic tables are across the road from the parking lot. These facilities are not at the waterfall base.
The overlook is wheelchair-friendly, but the approach trail is not uniformly accessible to standard wheelchairs. Contact the park about an all-terrain wheelchair or the authorized vehicle approach to accessible parking. Do not assume accessible overlook facilities mean the river route is accessible. Review accessibility arrangements.
Arrival and overnight planning
Navigate to the park visitor center at 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501. Check in for current gorge status, permits and the official trail map. Use designated parking and marked routes. Do not follow the former roadside-shoulder or fixed-rope directions.
No camping is allowed inside Cummins Falls State Park. The park identifies Standing Stone and Edgar Evins state parks among nearby overnight options. Book accommodation separately and check current travel times.
Getting There
Navigate to the park visitor center at 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501. Check in for current gorge status, permits and the official trail map. Use designated parking and marked routes. Do not follow the former roadside-shoulder or fixed-rope directions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Gorge access requires a permit and suitable conditions. Flash flooding can close the gorge without warning. Follow ranger instructions and closures; a purchased permit does not guarantee access. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult. The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Gorge access requires a permit and suitable conditions. Flash flooding can close the gorge without warning. Follow ranger instructions and closures; a purchased permit does not guarantee access. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult. The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Restroom
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
5 (3)
390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Cummins Falls State Park Visitor's Center
Visitor center
4.9 (87)
390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Restroom
Cummins Falls State Park
State park
4.7 (4803)
390 Cummins Falls Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501
Historic site of 2 former mills is now a popular spot for swimming & hiking.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Old Mill Camp at Cummins Falls State Park
Campground
4.8 (872)
4801 Blackburn Fork Rd, Cookeville, TN 38501
The Oakwood Campground
Campground
5 (1)
4899 Village Rd, Cookeville, TN 38506
Restroom
Grazin Acres Campground
Campground
4 (8)
2539 Landscape Rd, Cookeville, TN 38506
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
5 (2)
35G8+X55, Silver Point, TN 38582
Frequently Asked Questions About Cummins Falls
Do I need a permit for Cummins Falls?
A paid Gorge Access Permit is required to enter the gorge or reach the waterfall base. Daily quantities are limited. Buy through the official reservation page and check current prices before booking. The park states that permits are not refundable, exchangeable or transferable to another date, including weather closures.
Can children visit the waterfall base?
Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult. The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban.
Are there restrooms and drinking water?
The visitor center has a wheelchair-friendly restroom, an accessible outdoor water fountain and a gift shop. Picnic tables are across the road from the parking lot. These facilities are not at the waterfall base.
Is the overlook wheelchair accessible?
The overlook is wheelchair-friendly, but the approach trail is not uniformly accessible to standard wheelchairs. Contact the park about an all-terrain wheelchair or the authorized vehicle approach to accessible parking. Do not assume accessible overlook facilities mean the river route is accessible.
Does a permit guarantee the gorge will be open?
No. Weather and flash-flood risk can close the gorge without warning. Check park notices and ranger instructions. The official permit policy does not offer refunds, exchanges, date transfers or rain checks.
Can I camp at Cummins Falls?
No camping is allowed inside the park. The official park page identifies Standing Stone and Edgar Evins state parks among separate overnight options.
Highlights
75-foot waterfall
Separate overlook and gorge routes
Permit-controlled access to the waterfall base
Visitor center facilities
Unique Features
Blackburn Fork river gorge
Wheelchair-friendly overlook with approach arrangements
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Gorge access requires a permit and suitable conditions
- Flash flooding can close the gorge without warning
- Follow ranger instructions and closures; a purchased permit does not guarantee access
- Children 12 and under must wear life jackets at the falls and be accompanied by an adult
- The park recommends that children five and under do not visit the falls; this recommendation is not described as an absolute age ban
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Once home to a gristmill operated by the Cummins family in the 1800s, the site reflects the area's historical significance in early Tennessee industry.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph the falls from the open overlook or permitted gorge route. Stay on authorized routes and follow closures.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Cummins Falls is a natural treasure that benefits from visitor awareness. Practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering, and respect local wildlife and plant life.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check gorge status, permit availability and seasonal park hours before traveling. Leave enough time for the return hike.
Difficulty Level
Strenuous gorge route with river crossings and slippery rocks; separate overlook options.
Fee
Paid Gorge Access Permit required for gorge entry; check current pricing. Other trails do not require this permit.
Facilities
The visitor center has a wheelchair-friendly restroom, an accessible outdoor water fountain and a gift shop. Picnic tables are across the road from the parking lot. These facilities are not at the waterfall base.
Activities
Overlook hiking and permitted gorge swimming when open
Phone
931-268-7223
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No camping inside Cummins Falls State Park. Check separate nearby overnight options.
Nearby Attractions
- Cookeville - Town
- Cookeville Depot Museum - Historic Site
- Burgess Falls State Park - State Park
- Standing Stone State Park - State Park
- Blackburn Fork State Scenic River - Waterway
- Fall Creek Falls State Park - State Park
- Edgar Evins State Park - State Park
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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