Cummins Falls-a challenge but worth it...

to enjoy one of the best swimming holes in America.

Cummins Falls is dangerous and beautiful. The trick is you have to be prepared.

Cummins was established as a TN state park in 2012. It is just north of Cookeville/Baxter TN. It has an amazing 75 foot falls, and has been named by TripAdvisor as one of the best swimming holes in America. There have been several fatalities over the years. There is an overlook trail which is not dangerous or difficult, but that is not where the fun and excitement is found.

I first visited Cummins in 2018, prior to the tragic events of 2019 with the flash flooding. It was before the reservation system, and quite honestly, it was the Wild Wild West. I took my son Thomas and a friend, and I did some online searching to get some understanding of what to expect. Thankfully. That helped me wear tennis shoes instead of Chacos, get there early, pack very lightly and wear clothes to get very wet. The gorge trail is 3 miles in and back. I was pretty sure I could do this, although I am clearly not super athletic. I was horrified by the number of people who had NOT done their homework...wrong shoes, babies and toddlers, alcohol. There was even a lady who made it all the way to the falls with her Prada handbag. This visit was in August, so the water level of the creek was fairly low. This allowed us to spend a good bit of time on the left (going toward the falls) of the creek and in the creek to avoid the car size boulders on the other side.

We spent about 2 hours at the falls. I just sat on a big rock and enjoyed the sounds of water and about 500 people. There was one ranger at the falls-not nearly enough for the chaos. The falls are so beautiful and layered. If you are brave you can climb and jump! Just be careful-the rocks can be slippery. If you are not as brave, you can swim, sun, and just relax in general. You have to take a lot of pictures-this is a great spot for that special snap. Even with all the people, I felt like it was a very special day.

Cummins Falls was first on my list for 2021! My friend Sharon and I went in March. It was a very different experience than the first time. Now, there is a reservation system in place, to limit attendance to around 150. So, you have to plan ahead and buy a pass for $6. I have to say, I love this. You don’t have to get there at the crack of dawn for a parking spot, and the crowd situation is much safer and more pleasant.

The hike down to the gorge (and back up) is challenging, but thanks to volunteers, the trail is not bad, just steep. Once you are in the gorge, it is fairly flat in elevation. That day though, the water was high, and the only way forward was over the very large rocks. I mean one here and there would be fine. But this was boulder after boulder, with a fallen tree thrown in for fun. Sharon can give you some perspective!

It was pretty exhausting, but thankfully the temperatures were cool that day. We did take poles, but honestly it is hard to use poles climbing over straight rocks. You can’t tell from the picture below, but I was standing about 10 feet above the water. It was very steep, and my balance was tested many times that day.

We didn’t quite make it to the swimming hole that day. We enjoyed a great view for a few minutes, and tried to make it worth the 2 hours to get as close as we did. The hike back out was just as tough, and took just as long. I think I would recommend a summer/early fall visit, so you can really enjoy the refreshment of the swimming hole, and the hike might be a touch easier.

Cummins Falls can be intimidating for sure. It isn’t a place for babies in carriers or toddlers. I would say age 10 and over, and no more than 2 kids per adult. It isn’t easy, and honestly both times I have visited, my main goal has been not having to be rescued or Life Flighted out of there. If you are looking for a challenge, you must go to Cummins.