Cummins Falls State Park, Cookeville

Beautiful place! We did the overlook and the base hike. The overlook honestly was not worth it. You could barely see the falls. The base hike was great! I'm sure it changes with the seasons, I was in October 2022, the water was no more then knee level throughout the river. I didn't think the hike was as difficult as others had described, besides crossing the river twice, and watching out for the slippery rocks, it was pretty easy getting across the huge boulders. The waterfalls were very nice and the fall colors were coming out too, overall very nice fun adventurous hike.

This hike is amazing. You NEED water shoes, I was most comfortable in shorts and bikini bottoms as pants will get wet. Need to get a permit beforehand online. I also had a backpack and put my phone and car keys in a ziplock bag and boy did that save my life with the deep water, highly recommend if you don’t have a waterproof case. The water was waist deep in spots when I went since it rained all week, so definitely check the weather and know what to expect as well attire wise. It was pretty strenuous with a dog, but so much fun. I got there at 8am when the park opened so I could get pictures of the falls without people standing all over the falls. It was so peaceful going early. It’s not marked, but when you get down to the river, you turn left and hike upstream. You basically hike until the path runs out then cross the river and hike the path on that side. I crossed 4 times total the whole trip. I ran into 3 other hikers who were really cool and fun so we all walked together halfway to the falls. I can see why they say it’s hard for young children, I suppose if they are carried in a pack or you pick them up for certain boulders they could do it. But it’s tough! I was picking up my 50 pound pit-bull sometimes! It’s definitely worth the pain though 10/10 yes do it if you’re in the area.