Cummins Falls State Park: A swimming hole guide

Cummins Falls State Park is located in rural northcentral Tennessee, about an hour and twenty minutes east of Nashville. The park is relatively new, having been created in 2011, but its namesake, Cummins Falls, has been a local destination for more than 100 years. 

Cummins Falls State Park is only a little over 300 acres, but it packs a very scenic punch in those acres. Cummins Falls is a multi-tiered 75-foot-high waterfall along the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. It’s the 8th highest waterfall in the Volunteer State. The park was once a hidden gem but has become increasingly popular. To be clear, it’s not an insane tourist trap, either. It’s in a remote area that’s a bit off the beaten path but still an easy drive from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. That said, on summer weekends, expect a crowd. And for good reason. Cummin Falls State Park has one of the very best swimming holes we have ever been to! 

One of the best swimming holes in the country

You must access the gorge to get to the base of the falls and enjoy the fantastic swimming.  To access the gorge, you need to know a few things. First off, you need a “Gorge Access Permit.”  The park only issues a limited number each day and does charge a small fee per permit.  You can reserve them in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during the warmer months. The hike to get to the gorge can be challenging, especially if you are not in decent shape. The trail is steep, rocky, and can be slick in places, but the view is worth it. 

Hiking to Cummins Falls

Once you get to the bottom, the fun really starts. Wear water shoes because you are walking through the river off and on for the next roughly half a mile.  You continue straight for quite a while, then hang a left; shortly after that, you are greeted with your first view of Cummins Falls, and it is impressive. Another couple hundred yards, and you arrive.  We were certainly not the only people there the day we visited, but it was not too crowded.  There is a little beach area where you can lay out and relax as well. We recommended bringing a towel, but we did not! 

We did not even plan on visiting the park; it was a spur-of-the-moment decision on a road trip. The choice certainly did not disappoint. The park is an incredible way to spend the day swimming and relaxing in the Tennessee sun. Heads up, there is no camping at the park, but Standing Stone State Park, about 23 miles away, does have a campground. If you are okay with a privately owned campground, Old Mill Camp is just across the entrance and looked good to us when we drove by. 

Enjoy your trip to Cummins Falls State Park!