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Cummins Falls

Cookeville, Tennessee

4.7/5
based on 15 reviews

Details

Distance

2.79 miles

Elevation Gain

518 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Matthew Ady

Incredible hike to one of the best falls in the Southeast—just one and a half hours from Nashville and four from Atlanta. Completely isolated in the winter, and one of the most popular swimming holes you'll find during the summer.

Catch the trailhead down to the falls at the parking lot. The trail quickly approaches the rim of the river gorge to provide hikers with a great bird's eye view of the falls. After snapping a few photos of the falls from above, follow the clearly marked trail down to the river's edge. From there, hikers have to do a little bit of bushwhacking. Follow the water upstream, skirting the banks of the river. At some point, hikers must cross the river. However, where they cross will depend on whether they prefer a shallow, but wide section of the river, or a deeper, but narrower section of the river. For hikers who are not too steady on their feet, the wider areas tend to have slower moving water, making it easier to cross. Caution: during the winter, the water can be extremely cold. Most hiking boots are not tall enough to traverse the water and keep a hiker's feet dry. It is best to cross barefoot or with water shoes, but be prepared for a bit of a shock when you first stick your foot in the water.

Once on the other side of the river, continue down to where the river bends to the left. Traverse the large boulders around the bend until you see the falls. From there, it's the hiker's choice of how to approach—either from the right or left side of the river. It's generally easier to go from the right, as it involves one less river crossing. The best location to take photos is also from the right, but that may be left up to interpretation. Spend as much time as you like at the falls and return the same way you came. Once back on the marked section of the trail, there will be a short cut option on the left about a quarter of a mile back up that takes hikers directly back to the parking lot instead of by the falls overlook again.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Cummins Falls Reviews

It was crazy with people. We had to wait in line to enter the trails and while on the trails there were times that we stood still. The falls are beautiful.

We took a breathtaking hike on the areas left traveled. It is definitely not for beginners once you're off the trails. Bring a pair of water shoes or even just a change of shoes. The terrain makes for a great hike. We took many paths we shouldn't have, but it was well worth the time.

My husband and I made the hike today and had a great time! We crossed the river A LOT more than just once, but he was avoiding getting his shoes wet and I was enjoying my chacos. Definitely take a walking stick for crossing. We had great 78 degree weather, but water was very cold!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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