
This is a hike, hiked back in September 2019 requires some water shoes with good grip. Actually, if you don’t mind getting your hiking shoes wet, I recommend those or even better, trail runners like Katie is wearing in the photo above.

Katie along the way to this beauty was warning me that I would likely need to wade in knee deep water, but lucky for me, water levels were low. Katie at the time seemed pretty bummed. I was relieved. Moving high water makes me anxious. If you have similar fears, bring someone with you. It’s always nice to have a second opinion and help if you need. If you don’t have anyone, go on a busy day, such as the weekend.
There was this one section that both of us were struggling a bit to get up by the base of the falls. Thankfully, there was a fellow already there to help us up. On the note of getting to the area just below the falls, be sure to watch your step. The surface can be really slippery and a fall could really do some damage.
Something interesting about this falls is that there were were a bunch of life vests available to the left of the waterfall. I’m thinking the state park put them there just in case you make a poor judgement call, so that’s nice.

We hung out under the falls for quite sometime, taking it in. I can’t quite explain the feeling because everyone experiences pauses in their life differently, but imagine mediation with a beautiful view.
Name | Cummins Falls |
Location | Cookeville, TN |
Parking/Trailhead | 36.253198, -85.565812 |
Trail Name | Cummins Falls Trail |
Hike Length | 3.0 miles (Out & Back) |
AllTrails Link | Cummins Falls Trail |
Side Notes
- Tons of parking
- Restrooms at trailhead
- Water shoes with good grip or hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Bring a partner
- Can get crowded
- There are multiple trails and viewpoints. This one goes to the base of the falls.
- This particular hike would probably only be enjoyable in the warm months of the year.
Unrelated Extra
Does it feel like this is just a blog about how busy I am, photos, and destinations? Sometimes I feel that way. Though, if you stay long enough, read far back enough, you’ll see glimpses of the real me.