In keeping with celebrating the 75th anniversary of Tennessee State Parks, what better way than to write about Tennessee’s newest state park. On May 22, 2012 Cummins Falls State Park was dedicated as the 54th state park in Tennessee. Cummins Falls is located in Cookeville. It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining with a few clouds, which kept the temperature mild, and the right amount of breeze. The day was celebrated by many, the Cummins Family, citizens who have a love of the area, Governor Haslam, Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation, park rangers from across the state, York Institute Junior ROTC, and many more.
Cummins Falls is comprised of 211 acres. Blackburn Fork State Scenic River feeds Cummins Falls, which is a 75 foot drop. At the bottom of the falls is a magnificent swimming hole, which was named as one of the top ten swimming holes in the United States by Travel and Leisure magazine in 2010. Be warned, if you go swimming it will be a hike down a hill which you are guided by a rope.
The falls and swimming hole is surrounded by deciduous trees like oaks, beech, and the mighty sycamore tree as well as hemlocks, an evergreen tree. While you are hiking be aware of fauna you might encounter, like turkey, eagles, turtles, and fox. If you would rather fish, you can find bluegill and bass. Don’t forget your fishing license!
The land has served many purposes, providing generations opportunities for a living, recreation, and socialization. Before the area was settled, buffalo wandered around the stream where Indians hunted them. In the 1790s the land was given to Sergeant Blackburn, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, in lieu of a pension. Later, in 1825, the land was transferred to John Cummins. Due to the large amount of residents, two water driven mills were constructed on the land. In addition to using the mill to meet their needs, they would socialize and catch up on the latest news, and on a hot summer day, perhaps cool off in the swimming hole. The land stayed in the Cummins family for more than 180 years.
Recently both private citizens and public organizations came together to purchase the land for the state. Park Ranger Ray Cutcher explains, “I’m proud that this day has happened, to see the fruition of the goal of the people in this area, to preserve and protect Cummins Falls, left in its natural state and open to the public to use as it always has been.” Cummins Falls is now protected, so that future generations are able to enjoy it. Park Ranger Jeremy Vaden adds, “It’s a beautiful park founded through a grassroots movement. Ray and I are thrilled to be a part of it.”
I encourage everyone to take a road trip and visit Cummins Falls, and since you are in Cookeville, visit Burgess Falls State Park, located 19 miles away in Sparta. Camp or stay in a cabin at Edgar Evans State Park 27 miles away, and be sure to stop by Standing Stone State Park, 23 miles away in Hilham.
Until a permanent office is established, please contact Burgess Falls State Natural Area for more information at (931) 432-5312 or write to Burgess Falls State Natural Area/ 4000 Burgess Falls Avenue/ Sparta, TN 38583.
Directions: 1225 Cummins Mill Road, Cookeville, TN 38501
From Interstate 40, take exit 280 to Tennessee 56 North toward Gainesboro for 7.7 miles
Turn right onto Tennessee 290 for .9 mile
Turn left onto Cummins Mill Road for 2.1 miles
Turn left onto Blackburn Fork Road for .2 mile
