Cummins Falls State Park
Cookeville, TN
A 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.
Cummins Falls State Park near Cookeville, Tennessee, is a 282-acre (about 114-hectare) state park built around a 75-foot (about 23 m) waterfall on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. The park is open year-round.
To reach the base of the waterfall you need a Gorge Access Permit, booked through the Tennessee State Parks reservation site. Access applies only on fair-weather days; the gorge may be closed without warning, and permits are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. The route is strenuous and leads through water and over slippery rocks. Children aged 12 and under must wear life vests.
The gorge is prone to flash flooding: even without rain at the park, rain upstream can raise water levels within minutes, and swimming may be banned at high water (as on Memorial Day 2026). Before you travel, check water levels, current rules, hours and fees.
- Nearest town
- Cookeville, TN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.2494, -85.5717
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Old Mill CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Cummins Falls State Park
- Ebenerez AcresCampsite11 mi from Cummins Falls State Park
- SALT LICK CAMPGROUNDCampsite13 mi from Cummins Falls State ParkTentsCaravans
- Floating Mill CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Cummins Falls State Park · 115 pitches
- Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Belle RidgeCampsite19 mi from Cummins Falls State Park
- Pleasure LakeMotorhome stopover23 mi from Cummins Falls State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cummins Falls State Park?
Cummins Falls State Park is in Cookeville, TN, at GPS 36.2494, -85.5717. It is about 51 mi from Twin Arches.
Can you camp near Cummins Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Old Mill Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cummins Falls State Park?
Cummins Falls State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cumberland Plateau waterfalls.
What is there to see near Cummins Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Burgess Falls State Park (14 mi), Rock Island State Park (31 mi), Fall Creek Falls State Park (42 mi) and Historic Rugby (50 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cummins Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)