Cummins Falls

Jackson Co, Tennessee

Description

This is a very nice waterfall located north of Cookeville, TN.  The waterfall and adjoining land was recently turned into one of Tennessee's newest state parks, called - drum roll please -Cummins Falls State Park.  While still under development, this is great news for everyone involved!  Please be respectful and clean up after yourself.  Also be aware that the overlook has a very sharp drop-off and at least one teenager has died here.

After visiting I was told that access to the bottom of Cummins Falls can be accomplished by wading across the creek upstream of the falls and then hiking down the far side.  The near side is a steep bluff for at least 1/2 mile - been there, hiked it, and it doesn't afford a way down.

College students from Tennessee Tech. in Cookeville, as well as local teenagers no doubt, are known to frequent this spot during warm weather.  It is a pretty place, just be cautious around the top.

Getting There

From Willow Ave (TN-135) in Cookeville head north and turn left (west) onto 12th St. (TN-290).  Follow TN-290 for about 7.3 miles to Cummins Mill Rd.  Turn right and go approx. 1.8 miles to a small roadside parking area on the left side of the road.

You can also use the following link to customize your own directions to Cummins Falls.

View Cummins Falls in a larger map

Hike Details

From roadside parking you can be at the top of Cummins Falls in about 3 minutes.  It's just a little stroll through the woods.

Photo Tips

There aren't any great views from the top.  I would love to go back in warmer weather and hike down to the base.  I'm sure the photo ops are great down there.

As always I recommend the use of a polarizer to cut down on reflections.  With the addition of green leaves this is sure to be a photogenic waterfall.

You'll need a wide-to-normal zoom lens here in the 18-55 mm range because of the proximity to the waterfall and its size.

A slow shutter speed will blur the waterfall and make for a nicer picture, especially with the moderately low water flow.  In summertime a slow shutter speed will be a must.  Again, you'll need a tripod for any exposures over about 1/60th second and you'll need shutter speeds in the 0.25 seconds or greater to do justice to this waterfall.

Video

Here you go. 

Waterfall-Picture-Guide › Tennessee Waterfalls › Cummins Falls

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