We absolutely love this park. Our first trip we weren’t dressed properly for the hike we had to the falls, but we made it none the less. My three year old daughter made the yellow trail with a little help. I hadn’t seen falls quite like this in Tennessee yet. We also love that they do holiday related events like trunk or treat here.

This was a wonderful breathing taking experience! The first thing you get to do is the Waterfall Lookout, seeing it from above in all its glory!!! Then you walk through the woods, which are beautiful and serene, after the woods hike, you will arrive at the river basin in the gorge. Its still quite a hike by the river to get to the Waterfall but worth every step! The gorge cliff walls will definitely humble you too how small we all are. Lovely clear water, little fish darting everywhere, babbling rapids along the way, and cliff side water drops. As you get closer to the falls, you can hear it, and you will have to be nimble on your feet! But finally you arrive at the Waterfall, which truly is worth the 1.5 miles you just walked. A swimming area, and you can climb up a few levels of platforms to get closer and closer to the cascading water. I will be back!!! Please look at the pictures.Also Please be aware that you MUST have a permit to actually go down to the gorge and access the Waterfall. Which you can access on the Cummins State Park website, its only $6 per person. BOOK ahead!!!! Water shoes are the best thing you can wear. As you will have to cross the river a few times to get there.

This is one of the best spots in the south. Beautiful scenery, nice hiking, great swimming; a real gem. If you plan to hike to the base of the falls, be aware that you _will_ get your feet wet.

Park rangers available at falls & entrance - very helpful. Life jackets in a variety of sizes are available to use once at the falls (we didnt realize & brought our own). Im sure this works seasonally depending on foot traffic they might run out. Water shoes or boots definitely needed for some parts unless you dont mind hiking wet.

Beautiful waterfall with lower flows in the fall. Just a couple of river crossings with water to the shin/knee today. Some beginnings of fall leaves makes for a beautiful short hike. Overall the hike is probably moderate in difficulty with quite a few roots on the trail and slick rocks on the river crossing, but cardiovascularly it isnt too challenging if you take your time climbing out of the river gorge on your way back. Will be back in the spring to see the high flow season!

This place is so relaxing! Even though you have to walk a little ways it is well worth stopping in to see!

One of the best waterfalls in Tennessee, unique in its structure. Theres a nice watering hole in front of the fall where you can swim. However, the water can be as much as 15 feet deep in the middle so life jacket is recommended. If you decide to go up to the steps on the waterfall youll have to climb some very slippery rocks so need to be careful. Right now everyone needs a permit to access the gorge which can be booked online. The hike to the base of the waterfall takes roughly an hour but prepare to get your shoes wet.

Easy hike but watch for rocks and tree roots. We felt that the trails could have been labeled better as it was hard to determine where they started. For instance we had encountered a trial that we were unsure which way to go as it seemed there were a few ways to go. We finally found the marker hidden behind another tree. The overlook was nice. Would have been nice to hike down to the falls but there was a $6 permit to go to the gorge that had the best view of the falls.

Beautiful short trails, amazing waterfalls, deep gorge at the bottom and wonderful marked trails. Will definitely be returning to get a permit to walk across the gorge!!!

Great place!!!! Take water shoes for sure... or plan on your feet and lower legs getting wet. Very rugged at the bottom walking to and at waterfall. Well worth the time... Take your dogs they will love it!

A treat!First thing, permits are required to access the gorge that leads to the waterfall and so get those well in advance because spots do fill up fast.Once you get your permit make sure you acquire a good pair of water shoes because those will make the hike more enjoyable for sure.The hike is definitely strenuous at some points in the gorge but doable. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming around in it. I would strongly recommend getting there first thing in the morning as it gets crowded once the day wears on. We got there at 8:30 (park opens at 8) and it was practically empty except for two other families. By the time we left, around 2pm, there were about a hundred people.The water bodies are safe to swim in and life jackets are required for kids under 12. They do have a few on hand that you can borrow free of charge.All in all, a great day trip from Nashville. Grab pancakes from Grandmas in Cookeville before you get here for a great start.

Very nice place to visit, due to pandemic they are limiting the people allowed to visit the lower area by the falls by selling permits to go down, which would have been nice but we only made a random pit stop here on our journey. These views are from the short hike to the falls overlook. Great views, definitely worth a visit. Park rangers very friendly and helpful.

Wonderful area to visit. Beautiful water falls but can be very busy during summer. Went during fall and there was nobody there. The park is building a much needed visitor center which will be done by summer of 2020. The general store located outside the park gate was also closed so I couldnt buy any stickers or magnets to add to my collection. I will revisit the area during summer time.

Wonderful waterfalls and was able to get a reservation to visit the gorge as they were restricting number of people during this time. Nice pool area to take a dip and picnic after the rocky river trail to the falls.

Amazing! Be sure to purchase tickets to hike down to the falls before your trip. But if you forget to...like us. Stay around and keep refreshing the website. There is a good chance after lunch you will get in. Beautiful scenery! Fun swimming! Could be a difficult hike in and out for some.

Love this place! Make sure you wear a good fitting pair of shoes that can easily get wet! Also be sure you go online and get the permit to go down to the gorge. The last time we went we did not realize they implemented that new rule and unfortunately missed out on going to the actual gorge. They limit the amount of people that can go down now which is better because you have more room to spread out.

Its very clean, but to be brutally honest, its hard to actually get to the falls. I feel like it is more rewarding in the dead of summer, since the water so so cold. But if you went after rain I feel like it would be a lot for the inexperienced. That being said, it is worthwhile and a beautiful place. It takes energy, so be sure to take snacks.

Short hike, great overlook. Will be back to check out the base of the falls on a clearer day.

This park is remodeling the visitors area right now, but everything is still accessible. There is an overlook trail that you can do to see the falls from a distance (still gorgeous!). You will need to buy a permit to go down to the falls to swim and hike, however! I didnt do that part (they were not selling any more permits at the time because they were at capacity at the falls) but Id love to go back and try it.

My family and I had a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to others and I will go again. Get there super early to avoid the crowd and for parking availability. The walk to the overlook is not bad at all and the view is great. The walk to the waterfall is a little more tricky and lots of fun. When you get to the falls it is beautiful and a nice resting spot before the trek back.

One of the better parks with a waterfall that I have visited. Bring a swim suit, towel and lunch as its worth spending extra time. Water sandals like tevas are recommended for the hike and use in the falls area.

Recommended place if you are in cookeville Tennessee..absolutely beautiful waterfalls..you need gorge area permit if you are going to base of the waterfall..if you are just looking overlook, its free...

The site from the overlook was beautiful. But if you have knee problems, be careful. There is a lot of uneven ground. The view is definitely worth the hike thougg

It was an awesome hike. Definitely intermediate. It requires some climbing over rocks to get to the good bits. Wonderful swimming hole beneith the falls. They provide life vest. It opens at 8pm-6pm for summer. We were there first thing in the morning on a Thursday and pretty much had the thing to ourselves for a while. Such a nice hike.

We just did the overlook today. It was beautiful. It is an easy trek with a beautiful view at the end.

Very nice place to visit. Great views, definitely worth a visit.

We are from Nebraska. Was recommended this place by some friends. We went for Memorial Day and it was super busy, lots of people there. However it was really fun and people were really nice. Had an awesome time. Total walk to falls was worth it. Bring clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Also, be prepared to walk about 1.5-2 miles total to see waterfall. Thanks Tennessee for the fun time.

Kinda cool, didnt go down to the falls but the trails were fun.

Beautiful location. Moderate hike to the base of the waterfall. Be sure to reserve your permit online before going. Highly recommend!

Super love this place, its a great hike and a great experience.

So much fun. Quite a hike but so worth it

Really pretty place to visit, the hiking is not bad at all and the park rangers were very nice people. Only problem is that they only allow a certain amount of people per day, if you get there when its full you basically wasted the time and money if you had already bought the permit, but other than that it was a really nice experience.

Visited March 1, 2020. The drive from Nashville was simple. The park was simple to navigate as the park is well marked. Once you get close there are signs for all the offerings including the general store. Once you go through the gate and park the hike is nice some small inclines and tree roots. The path down to see most of the fall was closed on this day. It was short so we were able to move on to other falls in the area. It was definitely work the drive and stop.

The falls were simply amazing I have more pictures

Short easy walk to the overlook. Cant wait to go back when we have more time to get to the bottom.

This is truly a bucket list place. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Make sure you where good water shoes or tennis shoes because you have to cross the river several times to get back to the falls and it is very slippery. Also, toddlers will need held at several spots so keep that in mind when you are deciding what to bring. It takes quite a while to get to the falls so bring enough food, water and sunscreen. The walk back up to the parking lot is pretty brutal. It’s long with a sharp incline most of the way. We were huffing and puffing at the end. But we would absolutely go back! The entire experience was spectacular!!! Get a creamsicle float at the camp store on your way out!

Make sure you wear good swimming shoes you have to traverse alot of rocks the water was quite shallow so be careful jumping off the falls

The Falls are beautiful. And its only short hike from the Visitors Center . A great family outing !

Wonderful park and waterfall, we went late in the year so it was not insanely crowded (how I hear it normally is when the weather is hot).Be prepared to scamper over boulders, ford the stream at least twice (and get wet), and dodge roots on the trail down.

Great family waterfall! We have explored several waterfalls and one of the best parts about Cummins Falls is the fact that you can spend a whole day here! Right at the beginning of the Falls there is an area that is shallow enough for kids to play in with lots of mini waterfalls that make for hours of fun! Of course the large falls is beautiful, but since you can’t get down to the base of it, it’s not near as much fun anymore. More of a photo op situation and then turn around and trek back.

Great views, great hike. Wear hiking shoes down & up the trail. The hike back out of the river is a bit steep. But wear water shoes to walk the 1 mile thru the riverbed, to the falls. Dont forget a pack with water, a dry bag & a walking stick, to steady you over the rocks. You must buy a permit, only so many are sold per day. So make sure you order online way ahead of time. Swimming in the waterfall pool is great, jumping off the falls fun for the younger. A Must Go.

Big shout out to Justine one of the park personnel. Very respectful and responsive. Had a foot injury while at the falls and Justine responded by taking care of the injury by cleaning and wrapping it up, also walked all the way back to the top and was very respectful and educational on the park.I also would like to give a shout out to Jonah for providing a ride back to the ranger station. Just On this experience alone I would visit again. Having personal on staff with this type of personality helps you feel extra appreciative. Overall a great experience with staff. HIGHLY RECOMMEND VISITING!

Beautiful falls and swimming hole. You need to pay for a pass through the TN state parks website to follow the trail down into the gorge. It is not a long hike, but it involves uneven and slippery rocks. You should have water shoes or hiking shoes that youre willing to soak in water crossings.

What a cool place! Well marked trails to a gorgeous waterfall. The trail to the base of the falls is closed for the season but the wall was pretty and east for elementary aged kids. Not Toddler or wheelchair friendly! No bathrooms currently but judging by the construction on the parking lot, there will be nice facilities and maybe even a visitor center when we come back next time. It is an easy hr drive east of Nashville and worth the trek for nature lovers!

Such a fun hike. You have to hike along the river to get to the falls. You have to cross the river twice. Be prepared to get wet! Worth it though! The falls are beautiful! You can swim there too, but be aware the water is cold!

Short easy hike to the overlook. Nice view. Im 73 and did not take the very strenuous hike to the base of the falls: they even require you to watch a safety video and get a permit to go to the base. Lots of small groups of youth were lining up to go to the base and swim in the large pool. Looks like fun!

Absolutely beautiful! A new park with lots to offer and the best staff in the state.

This place is absolutely gorgeous. Its a bit of a hike from the parking lot to the actual falls, but it was well worth it. My pictures were from my phone and dont do it proper Justice. The canopy provided more than enough shade. And the picnic area was really nice to sit down and have lunch with the family. Im looking forward to going back. It was a fantastic summer day.

This place was amazingly beautiful, not as much trash, great waterfalls and got to enjoy ourselves. Only terrible thing was I seen a turtle that got thrown to the side after having its head cut off. I do not believe in animal cruelty, so that was a bit of bummer. Water was super clear and great place over all to enjoy the day.

Great little hike; not too much for me at seven months pregnant. Beautiful waterfall! They do close at 5:00 and we got to the falls right at 4:58, but the park ranger was nice enough to let us in the water for a minute and let us take a few quick pictures. Our dogs had a great time too!

It was cool, you just have to pay for a permit to go down to the falls.

Absolutely amazing place. We had a fantastic day hiking and swimming. The hike to the falls isnt an easy one, but it is definitely doable for most folks.

Dont go with flip flops ...Otherwise it is breathtaking. Be ready to experience on of the most amazing view in TN. I love the place. You might need support going back up to your car. You must wear light clothes and do not carry heavy items. The walk is about 2 miles down. You can swim once you get there.

Looks great but if you dont have a permit you can only walk to the overlook. Well get a permit next time and do the gorge. Be aware permits are sold out for weeks in advance.

Must see! Wish I had time to have gone down to the bottom! Only down fall is not everyone can get down to the bottom because of ruff Terrain to get there you must be in good shape!

We had a great time at Cummins falls this well, the weather was great, the falls were beautiful. The hike was challenging for me carrying a tripod and camera back pack, but was worth it.

This place is a blast! The hike down is not bad at all (take the shortcut, the overlook isnt really worth the walk if you dont like walking) and the beauty of the creek on the way there is stunning. When you finally reach the falls, its beautiful, surrounded by rock walls and greenery. We first climbed up on and in the falls, then we took the leap into the swimming hole. It was great for the whole family and everyone had an amazing time! If you dont like crowds I definitely recommend getting there first thing when the park opens, Cummins is a very popular spot.

Clean and green area for walk and feel relax .

Amazing place!! Absolutely gorgeous!! The pictures do not do it justice. It is kinda hard to get to, but when you turn that last bend and it opens up to that incredible view....it is all worth it. I wish we lived closer. Hidden gem.

This place is amazing. The hike is NOT for the faint of heart. Pack small, wear good shoes youre ok getting wet, and just take your time!

Get ready to pay $6 a person for the falls! Then wait in line for ticket spots that go fast! My family and I have been driving here from Nashville for a while now. Never had to pay, never had to wait for a ticket. Theyll lie and tell you its because of covid-19 but its really because theyre building indoor camping near the parking area. There are plenty of hiking parks and falls in Tennessee that arent using the pandemic to charge people to expand.

Great Park. Can be challenging for some folks. Not a long trail, a couple of miles or so, but full of tree roots, steep elevation change, River crossings, Scramble, Boulders, you know the stuff that makes it FUN!!! We did this Park and Burgess S.P. in the same day, lots of waterfalls. If you go to Cummins falls, make sure you purchase a Gorge Pass ahead of time, They usually sell out the 150 per day max.

Awesome place, long hike. Needs easier access for older people like stairs or something. Water shoes should be required! Was a great day there.

This waterfall was amazing. Great swimming and jumping hole! Being sturdy comfortable water shoes for the hike down, its a little difficult hike.

The park is beautiful. The hike down into the gorge is a little tricky. Lots of tree roots sticking up everywhere, so make sure you watch your step. This is not a place for a wheelchair or a stroller. It is about a 1.5 mile hike in. The trail to the gorge is all shaded. Once in the gorge, you are exposed to full sun, but you are walking through water if you choose. Make sure you have a GOOD pair of water shoes because you must walk in the water several times to get to the falls. You also need a permit to walk down into the gorge. The permit is $6 per person but WELL worth it. Also, anyone 12 and under HAS to have a life vest. They have some at the base of the falls.

Need a permit. No permit, no swim. Pay up, hope its not sold out, hope its open the day you go and not shut down for whatever reason. Need to watch a propaganda film to enter. Need permission from park staff to do anything. Need life vests. Need to find another place. If you are hoping for a rural charming waterfall that you can visit and swim, this may not be it. Its been taken over by overzealous authorities. With a big new welcome center on the way! Yes, its just a waterfall.... Go somewhere else.

It was an overall great time. We did not get to the bottom swimming hole due to a new regulation requiring a permit for each person in your party that must be purchased online. They were sold out. Recommend purchasing a few days ahead of your trip.

A great place to hike and see the beautiful nature that is in the heart of TN.

WOW! This is my FAVORITE hiking spot in Tennessee. The hike is not for first time hikers but it is not a terribly difficult either. There are 2 times in the hike where you MUST walk in the water (and trust me when I say you MUST enter the water as two of my friends tried EVER way possible but then ended up going into the water).Once you hit the water portion of the hike, you will be halfway there! Then at the falls, you will need to climb across rocks to get to the actual waterfall. You can see the rocks you will have to climb over in the picture below.If you plan to go down to the water fall to swim and jump off the lower part of the falls, I recommend getting your tickets AT LEAST one month in advance as they sell out quickly and they have a limited amount of people allowed down to the falls due to safety reasons. The tickets are non-refundable and not transferable. If you want to look at the falls and take a picture from above, there is a platform you can go to without a ticket.Before going on this hike, I recommend going to Burgess Falls and hiking to the lowest falls. If you can do this easily, then you will have no problem with this hike.ALSO, if you are going on this hike, wear proper footwear. Flip flops and sliders are NOT for this hike unless you want a twisted ankle. Tennis shoes or even short ankle hiking boots will not be good options as the water you must walk through is at least mid to upper shin level. Chacos are my shoe of choice as they are great water hiking shoes. The falls is made of a slate type of rock and is VERY slippery. You can walk up to the middle portion of the falls from the bottom and stand under the falls and if you ever fall (which I did when I was younger), it is a very uncomfortable slide down to the bottom.The very last level of the falls in the center, you can jump off into the pool below. It is shallow right where you jump so I dont recommend any trick jumps, especially no diving. Out in the middle it is too deep to touch, but under the jumping area, you can stand if you are around 5 foot 5ish or taller.One park ranger, every Saturday and Sunday I believe, brings a sealed rock with a printed logo of the state park trail sign on it and hides it around the pool area of the falls and up in the falls area out of the water somewhere for a lucky someone to find. I have never found it but always look! He only asks to take a picture with the finder each time.All in all, it is a gem of a place that I recommend anyone in the area to take half a day of their trip to go to. Going early around 8AM you will have it mostly to yourself (as it gets crowded). I would a lot for about 5 hours of your day minimum for the hike if you plan to swim and 3 hours if you plan to go, hike to the bottom, take a few pictures, and head back up.

Water shoes are indeed essential if you want to swim-- flip flops and regular sneakers wont cut it! The hike is challenging but the falls and water are well worth it!

Beautiful. Great short hike.

We were unable to go down to the gorge due to very bad weather. It was pouring down rain when we went on the trail. Once I am able to go back and actually go to the waterfall I will update my review. But from where is that on the trail its really hard to see the waterfall but it still seemed pretty

Make sure you get your permit before you get there. This place is amazing!

Long hike but well worth it. There are gorgeous views here. This was a great experience and we plan on visiting again. You definitely need good water shoes for the hike to the waterfall.

Had the best time hiking to this beauty! Family-friendly swimming hole in Cookeville, Tennessee. Three ‘park rangers’ were surrounding the swimming hole which was very comforting due to the amount of kids there. Getting down to the falls isn’t too bad but getting back up takes a little longer. There are a lot of ‘mini waterfalls’ along the way to Cummins Falls.

Nice weather. Able to hike all the way to the falls in the dry.

Scenic area. I couldnt get down to the water today because rain had the water high and the trail to wet. Paths were still natural with some tree roots exposed but were well cleared with nice safety fencing. Will come again when I can swim. Staff was friendly and informative.

Beautiful falls, fun for swimming but be prepared for a little jaunt to get to it. Lots of rocks to walk over, and the hike back up is a little steep for a bit. Over all, well worth the hike and absolutely gorgeous view.

Hike was fairly easy... Not strenuous at all.. We had a blast

Highly recommended! Beautiful

Had been here 15 years ago. The hiking trails were alot bigger and marked very well. The park was pretty empty, so it was nice to not be rushed and have to battle a crowd. We did go on a week day and will definitely be back again. Maybe more in the summer time to be able to explore more in the water.

Great place to visit ! Hiking to the falls is about 3 miles round-trip, but worth the effort.

Park is beautiful and they are still updating facilities. Must see

Ok, in a scale of 1 thru 10, lightest to hardest, the hike is roughly about a 6, maybe 7. Its very wide unlike many hikes to Tennessee falls. There is major upkeep so its nice and clean. 6$ entry fee per person, life best required for ages 12 and under. The falls itself is absolutely beautiful. There are swimming holes from bottom of gorge to the falls. The main hole below the falls allows swimming if weather has been good previous couple days.

Great to trail, well maintained. Be prepared to walk on rocks once you get to the river bed.

Its amazing,only thing is the last stretch doesnt have railing and Im terrified of heights so I couldnt get over the drop off next to us, otherwise its great,

A long hike but beautiful once you get to the bottom and walk to the falls.

Loved it make sure to pack light sense your having to walk up the stream to see the waterfall you dont want to carry to much. Its one way in one way out parking is free entering is free as well with that being said please dispose of your trash properly. Its truly a breathtaking place to visit.

Short non strenuous hike to the overlook. You will need a permit to go to the bottom. Permits available there.

Only one waterfall but the overlook is beautiful.

Water level was just right.Had a wonderful time

Loved this hike. Not long but will get your heart pumping and make you work for that amazing view at the end. Will definitely be back again to try other trails and maybe take a swim.

Sad what they done here really. Should have left it alone and never made it a state park. It was absolutely breath taking before and now everything is man made was over crowded for years...and now you have to pay.

What a fabulous waterfall. Its an hour and a half outside of Nashville and definitely worth a visit. I came early on a Sunday and the parking was fine, but by the time I left at noon, the parking lot was full to overflowing, so come early! The walk down to the gorge itself is not strenuous, but the scrambling over the rocks on the river bed itself requires some care, otherwise youll sprain an ankle or take a nasty tumble. Youll get wet though, at least up to your knees, so come prepared with water shoes or Keens for sandals.

Beautiful place water shoes a must. But gorgeous place

Such a beautiful hike! My first mini hike I did to the waterfall. I have an injured ankle that is sensitive still after 2 years and I was able to do this hike. Waterfall was so beautiful. You will get wet going towards the waterfall so bring comfortable water shoes.

Absolutely beautiful and makes me happy to see there isnt loads of trash everywhere like most places. There is a little though that could be picked up along the trail. Awesome hike, i recommend carrying very little. At most, your towel, a life vest, small snacks and water. I took my phone as well but only because i was with someone and we both kept an eye on our things while we swam. We didnt encounter any ticks or spiders. I seriously recommend quality water shoes that dont blister your feet when walked in, and to already have them on while you are hiking. Or bring hiking shoes that dont slip with a pair of water shoes to change into. Makes things a lot more fun with water shoes. I saw a lot of people with achey feet because they didnt bring proper foot wear. Beware the snakes in the water! We saw several baby snakes this past summer swimming in the water too. I had a picture but decided not to post since itll take me awhile to find it. Yall stay safe!

Theyve added a charge to hike to the falls, you now have to have to purchase a permit. Just under $7 a person but very disappointing to our group of 11 who drove from Indiana

This was beautiful, and so worth the trip. Rangers on site very polite and helpful. We will definitely bring family who visit. Swimming hole was amazing!!! Natures perfect hideaway.

Great place if youre in the area. Bring water shoes!