Two waterfall parks are within 20 miles of Cookeville. Downtown has a craft brewery. The 1909 train depot is free to enter. Cane Creek Park is approximately 300 acres and has a 56-acre lake.
What Makes Cookeville Worth Your Time
Cookeville is a college town. Tennessee Tech is in the city. The Upper Cumberland is limestone karst country, so waterfalls and gorges are within a short drive. Downtown has added businesses over the past decade.
1. Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls Rd, Sparta | (931) 432-5312 | About 18 miles from downtown Cookeville
The main cascade drops 136 feet. Four falls are on the Falling Water River before the main drop. Admission is free. The trail is moderately challenging. On the descent to the base of the main falls, mist comes off the cascade and the rock can be slick. Wear shoes with grip. The swimming area is open seasonally. The water is cold and clear. Weekday mornings have thinner crowds.
2. Cummins Falls State Park
390 Cummins Falls Ln | (931) 268-0600
Cummins Falls is the eighth-largest waterfall in Tennessee by water volume. The hike to the swim area at the base goes through a gorge and includes scrambling. The park uses a gorge permit to limit how many people are in the canyon. Check the park website and get a permit before you go. The waterfall is in a natural bowl. The water there is clear. The terrain is rocky. The water crossings need attention.
3. Tennessee Legend Distillery
323 E Spring St | (931) 854-9004 | tennesseelegend.com
Tennessee Legend Distillery is on East Spring Street downtown. It has tastings of moonshine, whiskey, and rum, and a full bar. A tasting includes several expressions without a full pour of each. Staff can explain what is distinct about each product.
4. Red Silo Brewing Company
118 W 1st St | redsilobrewing.com
Red Silo is Cookeville's first craft brewery. The taproom is in a historic red grain silo. The beer list rotates across styles. Weekend afternoons are busy. The crowd includes younger adults and other ages.
5. Cookeville Depot Museum
116 W Broad St | (931) 520-5252 | cookevilledepot.com
The Cookeville Depot was built in 1909 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a Tennessee Central Railway depot. Admission is free. The museum covers the city's railroad history and local heritage. The building is brick and dates to the early 20th century.
6. Cane Creek Park
Cane Creek Park is approximately 300 acres with a 56-acre lake at its center. The city lists paved trails, a mountain-bike trail, fishing piers, seasonal paddle rentals, disc golf, courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Check the official page for current hours, concessions, and rental availability.
7. Backdoor Playhouse at Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech University | (931) 372-3006
The Backdoor Playhouse has produced community theater in Cookeville for more than 60 years. It is at Tennessee Tech. The season includes drama, comedy, and musical theater. Check the schedule on Tennessee Tech's performing arts calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Cookeville, TN? Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls are both within 20 miles. Red Silo Brewing Company and Tennessee Legend Distillery are downtown. Cane Creek Park is in the city. The Cookeville Depot Museum is free.
Is Cookeville, TN worth visiting? Burgess Falls is in the surrounding area. Downtown has restaurants. Red Silo is downtown. Cane Creek Park is a morning hike option. Those stops can fill two days.
What is Cookeville, Tennessee known for? Cookeville has Tennessee Tech University. Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls are nearby. Downtown has added independent restaurants, breweries, and a distillery over the past decade. Cookeville is the largest city in the Upper Cumberland region.
Is there nightlife in Cookeville, TN? Cookeville is a college town. Downtown evening stops include Red Silo Brewing Company, Tennessee Legend Distillery, Father Tom's Pub, Brass Rail, Cookeville Pizza & Pub, and restaurants on Cedar Avenue.
What outdoor activities are near Cookeville, TN? Burgess Falls State Park is 18 miles away, and admission is free. Cummins Falls State Park is nearby. Cane Creek Park is inside the city and has disc golf, mountain biking, and lake recreation. The Upper Cumberland also has caves, rivers, and hiking trails.
People drive from Nashville for the waterfalls.