Wild Swim Atlas

    Cummins Falls

    Cummins Falls State Park, Cookeville, TennesseeWaterfall pool on Blackburn Fork RiverSwimming by permit

    Directions
    Getting there

    A 75-foot waterfall on the Blackburn Fork River with a natural pool at its base.

    Water
    Waterfall pool, Blackburn Fork River
    Entry
    Park entry is free; a Gorge Access Permit costs $6 per adult and $3 per child aged 5 to 12., booking required in season
    Swim hours
    Park grounds and overlook trails open daily during posted park hours; gorge access is by timed permit.
    Facilities
    Visitor centre, picnic area, overlook trail
    Managed by
    Tennessee State Parks

    When you can swim

    Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers

    Getting there

    About 12 miles west of Cookeville off Highway 290; the park address is 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville.

    36.2490, -85.5699

    Get directions

    Rules to know before you go

    • Obtain a Gorge Access Permit before entering the gorge.
    • Enter the gorge during high water or unsafe weather.
    • Jump from the boulders into the pool.
    • Climb the cascade.

    Swimming spots nearby

    All of Tennessee
    Swimming reported44 mi

    Seventy Six Falls

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    Barren River Lake

    Lake
    Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Scottsville
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    Greeter Falls

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    Questions about Cummins Falls

    Can you swim at Cummins Falls?

    Yes. Swimming is allowed in the pool at the base of Cummins Falls, but gorge entry requires a timed permit and can close in unsafe conditions.

    Do you need to book Cummins Falls?

    Gorge Access Permits are required to visit the base of the waterfall.

    Does it cost anything to swim at Cummins Falls?

    Park entry is free; a Gorge Access Permit costs $6 per adult and $3 per child aged 5 to 12.

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