Cummins Falls State Park (2023)

Cummins Falls State Park is an idyllic but rugged 306-acre day park located 15 kilometers north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the edge of the Eastern Highlands. Located on the Cordell Hull Basin, the area has been a scenic spot and seaside resort for residents of Jackson and Putnam counties for over 100 years. Cummins Falls is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee by volume of water and is 75 feet tall.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Above the falls are the main parking lot, restrooms, walking trails, and a designated picnic area. The viewpoint is in the immediate vicinity and can be reached on foot. ADA access to the gazebo is available upon request.

• Permits to access the gorgeThey are mandatory for anyone who wants to enter the gorge or access the base of the waterfall.
  • Note: No refunds, exchanges, date transfers, or rain coupons will be issued for licenses. If notified before the use date, we may transfer the date. If you are in the park on a permit and the gorge is closed prior to the descent, a rain check will be issued.
  • Licenses are available online.
• Parking hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M. at 6 p.m. in season and from 4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M. out of season.
• The Canyon area closes at 5:00 PM. M. in season.
• People who are at the base of the falls should start the hike at 5pm. M. so that I can come back to the parking lot and leave the park at 6 p.m. M
• Pets are allowed but must be on a leash and under control. Remember to clean up after your pet.
• The hike to the base of the falls is a physical and strenuous activity.
• Read the following safety information before planning a hike to the base of the falls.

SAFETY INFORMATION

In order to make your visit to our park as safe and pleasant as possible, please be aware of the risks. Use common sense and common sense when deciding whether to hike to the waterfall. If you have doubts about your safety or capacity, plan to enjoy the view of the waterfall from the lookout. If you decide to hike to the bottom of the falls, be careful and follow these guidelines:

• The base of the waterfall is only accessible on fine weather days.
• Visiting the waterfall requires
  • strenuous walk
  • Swim or walk through the water
  • Climb
  • cross slippery rocks
• Flash flooding at the base of the falls and in the gorge can occur any time it rains.present in the pool.
• You must follow the park safety instructions.
• In the event of an emergency evacuation, respond immediately to the ranger's instructions and proceed to the refuge areas marked with yellow signs along the trail through the gorge.
• The hike to the gorge is not an improved trail. We recommend that children under the age of 5 do not enter the gorge or visit the base of the falls. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and must wear a life jacket at the falls and when swimming or in the water.
• USCG approved life jackets are recommended if you plan to enter the water below the falls. Although there are some life jackets in the park, we recommend that you bring your own.
• The less you take to the bottom of the waterfall, the better. It's best to limit belongings to items that can fit in a small backpack.
• Keep your hands free.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Slippers are not recommended.
• Rather than attempting to bring a picnic lunch into the canyon area, plan to eat at the designated picnic area and only bring snacks and water into the canyon.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park.
• Cool boxes are not allowed in the canyon.
• Pool swimmers are not permitted in the plunge pool at the foot of the falls.

THE THROAT

The gorge area of ​​the park, like most of the park, is a natural feature untouched by man. Although very beautiful, this is a rugged area and there are dangers.

The gorge and waterfall are not easily accessible and can only be reached on foot.

• There are two routes descending into the gorge.
• One is about a mile and the other about 1.5 miles long.
• Both routes are steep with uneven terrain and have significant drops.
• The surfaces of the nature trails are varied and include water crossings, rocks and other obstacles.

The trails and rocks in the falls and gorge area are often slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and remember safety first. Keep the weather in mind when planning your visit. Sudden heavy rains can cause flash floods and streams can become very dangerous.