A Tennessee hike is one of the simplest pleasures and treasures here in the south. There’s really nothing better than trekking through the wilderness to the gushing heart of a waterfall, to a peak that offers up 360 views or a historic fort that overlooks a booming city. Since its about to get a whole lot warmer, we decided to revisit one of our favorite spots in Tennessee: Cummins Falls. At roughly an hour from Nashville, it’s easy to get to, fun to frequent and perfect for pretty much all visitors.

Michael Hicks - Flickr
Cummins Falls is renowned amongst not only Nashvillians, not just Middle Tennesseans, but the entire state of Tennessee. The 75-foot waterfall is located right on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, and it's fabulous for a quick dip during the warmer months.
Brenton Rogers - Flickr
The trail down to the falls is just a little over a mile, and is a solidly trafficked loop that will take you to the renowned waterfall. You can go year 'round, but we'd recommend heading over during the summer. If you get there early on a weekday you'll beat the crowds, too!
Michael Hicks - Flickr
The swimming hole has been rated as one of the top ten swimming holes in the ENTIRE United States. It's still one of Tennessee's newest parks, and definitely one of the most beloved.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
As you can 100% see, right here. There's so much joy in this photo, and the two miles it takes to get there and back is worth it.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
At 71 miles outside of Nashville, it's not too far for a day trip. The hike itself is renowned, and was even featured as the "Hike of the Month" by the Knoxville Sentinel.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
There's something sweet and old-fashioned about a moment down by the swimming hole, and we're completely in love. Will we see you there?

Continue exploring with this fun video!

You can visit at 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, TN, from 8am to 6pm every day of the week.

Cummins Falls is pretty amazing, but most folks in Nashville don’t know that this natural wonder even exists. Did you?

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