Cumberland Plateau waterfalls
Five state parks with waterfalls and gorges along the edge of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, from Cookeville to Chattanooga.
- Distance
- approx. 268 km (166 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 58 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- States
- TN
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- May 11, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 268 km (166 mi) with 8 stops, from Cookeville to Chattanooga. About 2 h 58 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–October. No toll roads expected for a car.
More road trips in Tennessee
Photos along the route
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Route description
Start in Cookeville, just off I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville. North of town, Cummins Falls is a wide 75-foot cascade with a swimming hole at its base; getting to it means wading up the gorge, which requires a permit booked in advance and closes when the water is high.
South of Cookeville, Burgess Falls State Park has a string of waterfalls on the Falling Water River and a short trail to the overlook. Continue to Rock Island State Park, where the Caney Fork pours through a gorge below a dam; warning horns mean the water is about to rise.
TN-111 and TN-30 lead to Fall Creek Falls State Park, the largest in Tennessee, with a 256-foot waterfall, a scenic loop drive, overlooks and a large campground. Then drive south along the plateau to Sewanee, a college town with forest trails and bluff views.
Finish at Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park before descending to Chattanooga on I-24. Spring brings the fullest waterfalls; in late summer some falls drop to a trickle, while October adds fall color.
Which stops are on Cumberland Plateau waterfalls?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Cookeville
TN - 214 km
Cummins Falls State Park
NatureCookeville, TNA wide, stepped 75-foot waterfall with a swimming hole, reached by wading up the river gorge. Gorge access needs a permit bought in advance and closes when water is high.
- 327 km
Burgess Falls State Park
NatureSparta, TNA series of waterfalls on the Falling Water River, ending with a big drop into a gorge. A short trail leads to an overlook of the main falls.
- 432 km
Rock Island State Park
NatureRock Island, TNThe Caney Fork gorge with Twin Falls pouring from the rock wall below a dam. Water levels change quickly with dam releases, so obey the warning horns.
- 537 km
Fall Creek Falls State Park
NatureSpencer, TNTennessee’s largest state park, whose namesake falls drop 256 feet into a wooded gorge. A scenic drive links several overlooks; the trail to the base is steep.
- 687 km
Sewanee
TN - 727 km
Foster Falls
NatureSequatchie, TNA 60-foot waterfall in a sandstone amphitheater, part of South Cumberland State Park and popular with climbers. A short trail leads to the overlook.
- 844 km
Chattanooga
TN
How do you drive Cumberland Plateau waterfalls in 4 days?
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Cookeville → Rock Island State Park · 45 mi · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Cummins Falls State Park, Burgess Falls State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Floating Mill Campground (18 mi).
- Day 2: Rock Island State Park → Fall Creek Falls State Park · 23 mi · 0 h 24 minOvernight nearby, for example: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground (< 1 km); CAMPGROUND C (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Fall Creek Falls State Park → Sewanee · 54 mi · 0 h 58 minOvernight nearby, for example: Evans Campground (12 mi); Caver's Paradise (8 mi).
- Day 4: Sewanee → Chattanooga · 44 mi · 0 h 47 minOn the way: Foster Falls.Overnight nearby, for example: Moonshine Campsite (9 mi); Nickajack Campsite (13 mi).
When is the best time for Cumberland Plateau waterfalls?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
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FAQs
How long is Cumberland Plateau waterfalls?
4-day road trip of about 268 km (166 mi) with 8 stops, from Cookeville to Chattanooga. About 2 h 58 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Cumberland Plateau waterfalls?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 58 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Cumberland Plateau waterfalls start and end?
It starts in Cookeville and ends in Chattanooga.
Which states does Cumberland Plateau waterfalls pass through?
Tennessee.
Where can you camp along Cumberland Plateau waterfalls?
OpenStreetMap lists 118 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Moonshine Campsite, Nickajack Campsite and Eagles Point Area.
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