Park 2: Cummins Falls State Park

Cummins Falls State Park

Trail Summary: Waterfall Overlook Trail

• Easy
• Great for Quick Day Trip
• 1.1 Miles Loop
• Views of Waterfall

Lets chat about Cummins Falls. This waterfall is beautiful and temping to play in, yet the hike to the bottom of the trail is rugged and steep. Obviously it is no place for a newborn to be strapped to your chest, so I opted to hike to view the waterfall. I am going to talk about my experience viewing the falls, the perks of this state park and reference some tips should you want to go to the bottom of the falls. We plan on visiting this park again when we can all physically make it to the bottom.

This state park’s key feature is a 75 foot waterfall. What else can you ask for? Ideally this park is should be visited with a bathing suit and sunscreen. The views at this park are incredible and accessible for most skills levels. If you are physically unable to make it to the bottom of the falls, take the short easy loop trail and enjoy the views. Wide trails and smooth services makes this ideal for children and elders. Use the link above to read further about this simple loop trail. ADA access is available if you speak to a ranger.

                                                         

Ready for adventure? Rock hop to the bottom of the falls for swimming or instagram worthy pictures, if you’re into that type of thing ;). This trek down is confusing, but do not worry there are PLENTY of people you can ask for guidance. Simply get to the overlook and start your descent on the well worn, albeit rocky and windy, trail to the base. Limited guidance is on the internet on how to get to the bottom but here is the best synopsis from Knoxnews.com: From the waterfall overlook, it’s another .6 miles to the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River that feeds Cummins Falls. The gorge is only 200 feet deep, and the route is well-marked with new signs. The descent is marked by a few gentle switchbacks, and portions of the trail are still raw and somewhat mud-prone.

• Key Notes for your trip to the bottom:
• This is an adventurous hike and is not suitable for small children.
• The Cates live by the rule: If it can happen on land it’ll happen in the water. If you want to go deep, don’t be stupid, wear a life jacket. A lot of slippery rocks cause you to go deep fast.
• It is best to limit belongings to items that will fit in a small back pack.
• Keep your hands free – FANNY PACKS BABY! Rocks and roots will be slippery and both hands will come in handy to catch you when you trip, slip and fall.
• Wear sturdy shoes, Keens and Chacos are great, not your $1 Old Navy flip flops
• Rather than try to take a picnic to the gorge area, plan to eat in the designated picnic area and just take snacks and water to the gorge
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park
• Pool floats are not allowed in the plunge pool
• Dogs must be leashed 
• This is a day use only park, you must head up from the gorge at 5pm and are expected to vacate the park by 6:00 PM. Picnic tables are available, but primitive, there are no grills or trash cans so please pack out what you bring in.