Cummins Falls

1 hour and 20 minutes from Nashville

3 mile hike

It took me 3 years to make it to Cummins Falls. I had heard how busy it can be in the summer and that it can be one long queue of people trying to get to the falls. You want to avoid crowds, right? But then I also heard that it’s great for swimming, so I didn’t want to go when it was cold outside. You want to be able to swim, right? But then I didn’t go at all. I basically avoided this incredible place because I was waiting for “perfect” conditions that were never going to happen.

Cummins Falls are my favorite now. Out of the waterfalls that I’ve been to around Nashville, these top my list. The water’s emerald-colored. They cascade down the rocks in a how-do-we-deserve-this-beauty way. The hike to get there is a fun adventure. Be smarter than me and go experience Cummins Falls sooner rather than later.

New Rules for Cummins Falls

You must obtain a permit from their website prior to visiting Cummins Falls. They allow 150 people per day, and you can buy up to 6 permits at a time. Cost is $6 per permit.

When you arrive, you have to watch a safety briefing before hiking to the falls.

Not allowed: Glass, coolers, alcohol, or pool floats.

The Park doesn’t recommend bringing children under 5 years old. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket while swimming at the falls.

You must leave the gorge area by 5pm.

Risks

Flash flooding can occur at the base of the waterfall or in the gorge when there is water above in the watershed. Don’t go to Cummins Falls if it’s raining or there is a high chance of rain. If flash flooding does occur while you’re visiting, listen to park rangers, and follow the yellow signs to refuge areas.

Per the Park website, they are being more diligent about closing the park when there is a risk of flash flooding. Keep in mind that this may ruin your plans.

Getting there

Address: 390 Cummins Falls Lane Cookeville, Tennessee 38501

There’s a decent sized parking lot, bathrooms, and a clearly marked trail. You can hike to the overlook, which was only okay. It’s only worth doing if you’re not going to hike all the way to the falls. You can skip the overlook and hike right to the falls. The hike is 1.5 miles each way. We (as in my dog and I) hiked down the obvious dirt path, through water, and over rocks to the falls.

Dogs on this hike

Let me warn you – if your dog has any fear of water or hiking on rocks, you may want to leave them at home. The hike involves water-crossings and some rock climbing.

Zoe and I were having a grand time on this hike. Then we got to a large rock. With only water ahead of us, I realized I had no choice but to soak my hiking boots and legs to cross the creek and continue on the trail. I crossed, focusing on not slipping and dunking my backpack, phone, and camera. I turned, expecting to see Zoe close behind me, and instead saw her positioned on the same large rock with a face of defiance. If she could talk, she would have said, “Hell no, mom. I am not getting in the water.”

After a lot of sweet-talking, pulling on her leash, and rational explanations as to why she would be okay, she continued to stand on the same rock. I stored my backpack on some dry rocks, re-crossed the water, and carried her through butt-deep water to “safety.” My dog can be pitiful sometimes, but I’ve heard that dogs take after their owners. She must have channeled my fear of slippery rock crossings.

She also had to be lifted by a stranger later because she wouldn’t jump down off a rock. Oh, the joys of dogs.

If you do bring a dog, they must be leashed.

We were lucky we made it to the falls

Advice

Your shoes WILL get soaked. Wear water shoes or Chacos or shoes that you don’t care about. Flip flops won’t cut it for this hike. I would also recommend putting your electronics in Ziploc bags in case you take a fall in the water. Be careful. The rocks are very slippery.

At Cummins Falls

There is a little beach area near the falls to sit, hang out, and enjoy. I was there on one of Nashville’s first warm days, and it was a Thursday. I lucked out and only had to share the view with a few people.

There are stories about this area getting really busy on beautiful summer days. This might be better now that they have a visitor limit per day, but my advice is to get an early start or focus on the falls instead of the people 🙂

Enjoy the adventurous hike and the beauty of Cummins Falls, and please don’t wait for the “perfect” day. Make your permit reservation and go.

If you want to make a longer day of this, drive to Ozone Falls first, then stop at Cummins Falls on your way back to Nashville. If you want a list of the best 8 Waterfall Hikes near Nashville, I compiled them all and even included a map to plan your trips. Want to be even more active in Nashville? Here are 8 Free and Cheap Yoga Options.

Share on Pinterest!