Weekend Wandering: Cummins Falls and Cookeville
Over the past few years, I’ve spent so much time exploring other places that I forgot how beautiful Tennessee truly is. With so many charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to see why people want to visit. A few weeks ago, I had a chance to hike Cummins Falls State Park and explore Cookeville, Tennessee. It was such a treat and the perfect day trip from Nashville.
For those of you in need of a chance of scenery, I’ve put together some of my favorite sites, bites, and brews.
Where is Cummins Falls located?
Located in the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee, Cummins Falls State Park is approximately nine miles north of Cookeville. If you’re driving from Nashville, it will take close to an hour and a half to reach the 282-acre park.
I want all of the details. Can I bring my family, including my four-legged child(ren)?
According to the state park website, they recommend that children under five not enter the gorge or visit the base of the waterfall. However, during my visit, I saw several families with small children on hiking to the waterfall. Parents either had them by the hand or were offering piggyback rides throughout the rocky and rugged terrain. Even though I don’t have children, I can’t imagine how tiring that must be for a parent. It was challenging enough for me to navigate jagged terrain but to ensure the safety of a child just made that hike next level.
Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket while at the falls and/or swimming in the water.
Let’s talk about the four-legged fur children. Should I bring my dog? Again, I saw several pups from Golden Retrievers to Toy Poodles. The Goldens seem to love every minute of the hike, investigating the rocks, water, and everything in between. While the toy poodles were hesitant, to say the least. In fact, I saw one owner with a young child in one hand while she was attempting to pick her dog up by its harness with the other. <insert serious dismay here>
Use your best judgment. Be smart and be safe.
When it comes to hiking, I’m a novice. Can I hike Cummins Falls?
The Cummins Falls trail is just a little over two miles. I’d rate this hike as moderately hard. On the hike down, watch your footing as it gets a little rough with all of the tree roots. Once you hit the gorge, you will want to make sure that you take your time and have proper footing as there are numerous boulders and rocks on the path.
Hikers will cross the water on at least two occasions, so proper footwear is a MUST.
Keep in mind, a hike that is downhill all the way might seem a bit more challenging than usual on the way back, especially if you’ve been playing in the falls.
What else do I need to know before I go?
Before you embark upon this weekend adventure, there are a few things that you need to know:
Gorge Access Permits are required if you want to visit the base of the waterfall, which of course you do. Permits are $6.00/person. Click HERE to check availability and purchase. There are 150 per day available, and park rangers are checking permits upon entry.
The park closes at 6:00 p.m, so plan to leave the falls by 4:30 p.m or 5:00 p.m to allow yourself enough time to get back to the car.
It’s safe to say, if it doesn’t fit in your backpack, don’t bring it. This includes coolers, alcohol, and pool floats.
Save the picnic for the designated picnic spots and only bring snacks down to the falls. It goes without saying, but make sure you pick up your trash and don’t leave behind any cans or wrappers.
Even though I mentioned it before, make sure you have appropriate footwear for the hike. This not only includes tennis shoes/hiking boots that you would wear on dry land but sturdy shoes to maneuver throughout the water. I wore Birkenstocks and didn’t have any issues but flip flops aren’t recommended.
Are you one of those people who often forget things? Snacks, sunscreen, God forbid water shoes? Never fear, Old Mill Camp General Store has you covered. Located directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park, Old Mill Camp General Store has all of your hiking necessities including snacks and hand-scooped ice-cream. Aside from making sure you have all of the essentials, Old Mill Camp offers tent camping, cabin rental and they can even accommodate all types of recreational vehicles.
There’s no better reward than a nice cold beer after a day of hiking. After we finished our day at the falls, we headed to Cookeville to check out Hix Farm Brewery. Fun fact, Hix Farm Brewery is a female-owned business and brewery. Opened in 2015, the brewery provided a means to keep the farm up and running. Their taproom is open seven days a week and features Hix Farm beer as well as other local breweries like Calfkiller, Little Harpeth, and Honky Tonk. Undoubtedly, I had to order a sampler so I could see what Hix Farm was all about and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! If you find your way to Hix Farm Brewing, I’d recommend sampling the Devil’s Breath Mint, which is a mint stout. I found it to be unlike any other stout I’ve had before as it was quite light and refreshing!
After you have sipped on your fair share of beer, head across the street and visit Ralph’s. Ralph’s Donut Shop is legendary among locals and tourists alike. While some may consider this classic donut shop a throwback to simpler times, regulars would argue that this is the only way to start the day, just don’t forget the coffee. Known for the apple fritters and butter twists, you can’t leave Cookeville without trying one of these award-winning pastries. I ordered an assortment of goodies and could not believe how inexpensive they were. Goes to show, I’ve been spending way too much time in Nashville. Patrons can purchase a half-dozen donuts for $5.75 and a dozen for $10.50. Specialty pastries like the Elephant Ears and Lady Fingers are $2.00 and those prize-winning fritters are only $3.00. Yes, you read that correctly (and I’m paying what for a Five-Daughters Donut??)
Located in the historical west-side of Cookeville, Red Silo Brewery is serving up batch brews and sodas that are sure to quench your thirst. For those of you who have attended the Predators Craft Beer Festival ( oh, how I miss beer festivals) you may have sampled some of Red Silo’s creations as they were crowned winners in 2018 and 2019! Being a beer enthusiast, I decided to order a flight so I could sample some of these award-winning creations. While I enjoyed all of the beers, the two standouts for me were the Cucumber Saison and the P-Nit Butta Porter. While they couldn’t have been more different, the Cucumber Saison was light and refreshing, something that could easily be enjoyed while on the lake or at the pool. While the P-Nit Butta Porter was like dessert but not overly filling.
Safe travel is at the top of everyone’s mind. Whether you are looking for a little adventure and time to connect with nature or perhaps you just want to hit the open road and get away from home for a bit, I can’t recommend Cookeville and Cummins Falls enough. In fact, I am already plotting my return. After all, this girl needs another Apple Fritter ASAP!
Until Next Time!
