Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Tennessee

Tennessee in the summer can get hot. We mean, your ice cream melts before you eat it, you’re sweating the moment you walk out of the house, and your car seats are fire hot. The humidity is just par for the course here in the Volunteer State and locals have found out some pretty neat ways to stay cool. One of them is swimming beneath the roaring rush of Cummins Falls, a famed waterfall located in Cookeville. The pool of clear, beautiful water comes at a price, though: you have to hike to get to it. Learn more about it below, and pack snacks! This is one view that you’ll want to enjoy as long as possible.

Devin Fitzgerald - AllTrails

Cummins Falls State Park is located just northwest of Cookville in Jackson County, Tennessee. It's best known for its 75-foot waterfall that plunges over a rocky cliffside to the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River below.

Emily Franklin - AllTrails

Cummins Falls is actually the 8th largest waterfall in Tennessee, and people tend to visit the park mainly for hiking and swimming. Picnicking is also popular, as many visitors will bring coolers full of snacks and sandwiches to enjoy once they make it to the falls.

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Fred Roethler - AllTrails

The hike is fairly short, at just under a mile one way. You'll want to prepare for a fairly rugged route with uneven terrain, and at one point you'll need to cross a shallow part of the river. Water shoes are recommended, though you'll want to watch out for natural obstructions like rocks, branches, and bushes.

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Some say the hike is fairly difficult, but others see it merely as a means to a refreshing end. After all, Cummins Falls IS considered one of the top ten swimming holes in the United States. Your hike earns you solid bragging rights!

Craig Bradley - AllTrails

Lush, green, and truly beautiful, Cummins Falls State Park is more than just a single swimming hole. It's one of the newest state parks in Tennessee and logs almost 300 acres of stunning wilderness.

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Since you do have to cross a stream on your way to the falls, you'll want to check the Cummins Falls website that we've linked below for weather updates. The water crossing can get uncomfortable if you visit in the winter or the early spring.

George User - AllTrails

Planning a visit? Come early! The dog-friendly area is wildly popular, so you may find yourself dealing with some crowds during the high season. Cummins Falls is a beautiful place to visit no matter the time of year, but it packs a particular punch during the heat of the summertime.

Cummins Falls is truly a beautiful place to visit and the kind of location where you’ll make a lifetime of memories. You can check on the park’s initial conditions right here, and learn more about the hike here.

You can enjoy all the sweet, sweet fun in Tennessee with a night spent at this beautiful glampground.