Cummins Falls State Park Hike

Cummins Falls State Park was created by the State of Tennessee in 2012, but people have been venturing to this beautiful place since the 1800s.

If you are up for a hike, this is a great place to do just that. Starting from the trailhead, hike 0.4 mile to the Blackburn Fork River Trail and go left. Continue 0.12 mile to the opening to the top of the falls. From here you can go right and walk all the way to the edge of the falls, a beautiful place nestled in the middle of nowhere. Return to the trail junction and walk another 500 feet to see the overlook of the falls. Visitors use the swimming hole at the base of the waterfall to relax and enjoy being outside. From here hike down to Cummins Falls or walk back to the parking lot. Either way, take some time to enjoy this beautiful piece of Tennessee. You might just come back with a different appreciation for this wonder state.

In the past, the Indians used this area to track the herds of buffalo that lived in the area. In the 1790s, Sergeant Blackburn, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and for whom the Blackburn Fork River was named, was awarded the land in lieu of a pension. The land was acquired by John Cummins in 1825, and he used the land to build the first of two mills. The mill washed away during a great flood in 1928, but cars and paved highways had already made Cummins Falls more accessible.

Certain trails in this park are steep and you may encounter water, so be prepared. It is not advisable to wear flip flops.