Hiking and Swimming at Cummins Falls State Park

It's a wonderful park. We live nearby so we go there all the time. We take our cat on hikes with us, and she loves going there. I've been many times and still haven't gone all the way down to underneath waterfall. The hike to it is very strenuous and I forget to wear water shoes. Sometime next summer, I'll make my way down there. There's another trail that many people don't take. It goes through the woods and then around a stunning meadow. I love going to that meadow. It's packed full of blackberries and all kinds of flowers. My absolute favorite is the passion flowers. When they are in bloom, I can stop admiring them.

To go, you have to buy a ticket & sit through a safety video. Safety first, as flash floods have taken many lives in the past. The slot canyon will ALLOW you to get your feet wet, and if you chose, swim in the warmer months. The hike in takes about a hour. Or you can skip that and just go to the overlook. We did both and had fun on the rocks, spotted heron & small trout. And witnessed the heron eating some fish. The waterfall was beautiful & worth the effort to see from the base of the river. Stunning! There is a driving trail to get handicapped people to the overlook - ask the person at the desk in the gift shop. Restrooms ADA compliant.

Walk part of the overlook trail. The trail is moderate-to-easy, but is sloped in some areas. Would have liked to walk to the falls but apparently need to dress in anticipation of getting wet up to the waist and good rock/mud footwear which we didn't have.

The waterfall is gorgeous. I didn't walk the 3.4 miles to and from the waterfall because I didn't know that the water could get up to my hip while crossing the river. Maybe I missed that on the website. If I had known I would have bought a change of clothing.... maybe next time. I did go to the waterfall overlook- which is free. The website didn't mention that part was free either. It simply mentions that you need a $6 permit ($7 at the park) to hike to the waterfall...

Cummins Falls State Park is an absolute gem in Tennessee, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike and about an hour outside of Nashville it can’t be beat! The stunning 75-foot waterfall is truly breathtaking, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the state. The hike to the falls is both challenging and rewarding, as you'll traverse rocky terrain and even wade through shallow waters, but the end destination—a pristine swimming hole at the base of the falls—is completely worth it. Make sure to grab a Gorge Access Permit in advance, as it’s required to reach the base of the waterfall. They are limited so book early! I booked online. What makes this park special is its blend of rugged adventure and natural beauty. Whether you're hiking the trails, enjoying a picnic by the scenic river, or taking a dip in the refreshing waters, Cummins Falls offers a unique outdoor experience. If you're into photography, the waterfall views from the overlook are stunning, and the surrounding wildlife adds to the park’s charm. The park is well-maintained with basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, but be prepared to pack out any trash as the park practices Leave No Trace policies. This is an ideal destination for families, solo travelers, and even pets (as long as they stay leashed). Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just soaking in the views, Cummins Falls is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Tennessee. Highly recommend! Five stars!