Cookeville, TN
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Cookeville sits on the rim of the Cumberland Plateau - which puts world-class waterfalls, gorges, clear lakes, and miles of trail within a short drive. Here's what to know.
Waterfalls
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0Burgess Falls State Natural Area
Four waterfalls, one trail
One of the most spectacular short hikes in Tennessee. The trail follows the Falling Water River through four distinct waterfalls - each progressively more impressive than the last. The main falls drop 136 feet into a gorge that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from Cookeville. Excellent year-round, but spring flow after rain is peak.
- 136-foot main falls
- 1.6-mile round trip trail
- Swimming not permitted
- Dog-friendly on leash
Tip: Parking fills by 10am on weekends in summer. Go early or on a weekday.
Ingogermany, CC BY-SA 4.0Cummins Falls State Park
Tennessee's 8th largest waterfall - with a swimming hole
Cummins Falls sits on Blackburn Fork State Scenic River and drops 75 feet into a wide plunge pool that becomes one of the most popular swimming spots in the region come summer. The overlook trail is short and easy. Getting into the gorge requires a wading permit ($3) and involves scrambling over rocks - worth it on a hot day.
- 75-foot waterfall
- Natural swimming hole
- Gorge permit required in season
- Short hike to overlook
Tip: The gorge is closed in high water. Check the park website or call before making the drive in spring.
State Parks
Jsfouche, CC BY-SA 3.0Fall Creek Falls State Park
Tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi
The crown jewel of Tennessee state parks. Fall Creek Falls drops 256 feet - the highest free-falling waterfall east of the Rockies - into a gorge that has to be seen to be believed. Beyond the waterfall, there are gorge overlooks, cascades, natural bridges, and a network of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous day hikes. The park also has a lodge, cabins, campground, and a canopy tour for those who want more than a day trip.
- 256-foot waterfall
- 26,000 acres
- Camping and cabins
- Zipline and canopy tour
- Golf course
- 35+ miles of trails
Tip: The suspension bridge at the base of the falls closed in recent years - check current status before visiting. The gorge overlook is always worth the trip.
Michael W. Neu, Public DomainRock Island State Park
Great Falls and a surprisingly good swimming beach
Rock Island sits at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky rivers and offers some of the best swimming in Middle Tennessee. The park's sandy beach on the Caney Fork is well-maintained and the water is clear and cold. Great Falls is dramatic when water is flowing over it. The park sees far less traffic than Fall Creek Falls, which means it often feels like a hidden gem even in summer.
- 40-foot Great Falls
- Sandy swimming beach on the Caney Fork
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Camping
- Fishing
Tip: The swimming area can close if TVA releases water from Center Hill Dam upstream. Check before a summer trip.
David Ratledge, CC BY 4.0Edgar Evins State Park
Trails and camping on Center Hill Lake
Edgar Evins sits along the shore of Center Hill Lake and offers a combination of forest hiking and lakeside access. The trails wind through mature hardwoods with good ridge views. The marina rents pontoon boats and kayaks in season. Cabins book up fast in summer - reserve months ahead if you want to stay overnight.
- 6 miles of hiking trails
- Marina on Center Hill Lake
- Rental cabins and RV sites
- Fishing and boating
City Parks
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0Cookeville City Park
881 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
130-acre city park that anchors the south end of Cookeville. Disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, multiple playgrounds, covered pavilions, and walking trails along Pigeon Roost Creek. The most-used park in the city - always busy on weekends, quieter on weekday mornings.
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Walking and jogging trails
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Multiple playgrounds
- Covered pavilions
- Creek access
Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park Dr, Cookeville, TN 38501
A neighborhood park on the east side of Cookeville with open fields, a playground, and picnic areas. Less trafficked than City Park - good option for families who want space without crowds.
- Open fields
- Playground
- Picnic pavilion
Cane Creek Park
Cane Creek Park Rd, Cookeville, TN 38501
Newer park on the west side of Cookeville with a good trail system, creek access, and open recreation space. A favorite for trail runners and dog walkers.
- Trail system
- Creek access
- Open recreation fields
- Dog-friendly
Lakes & Water
Tyler White, Public DomainCenter Hill Lake
Starts about 15 miles southwest of Cookeville
18,000-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Caney Fork River. One of the clearest, cleanest lakes in Tennessee - the cold, deep water stays blue-green all season. Excellent bass and walleye fishing, boating, and water sports. Multiple marinas and boat launches around the lake. Camp at Ragland Bottom, Hurricane Bridge, or Floating Mill Park.
- 18,000 acres
- Exceptional water clarity
- Multiple marinas
- Bass, walleye, crappie fishing
- Camping at several sites
Cordell Hull Lake
About 45 miles north of Cookeville
Cumberland River reservoir managed by the Corps of Engineers. Less crowded than Center Hill, with good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. Dale Hollow and Obey River area - good for a quieter day on the water.
- Cumberland River reservoir
- Less crowded than Center Hill
- Multiple boat ramps
- Camping available
Trails & Long Hikes
Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0Cumberland Trail State Park
The Cumberland Trail is a 300-mile long-distance trail running the length of the Cumberland Plateau from the Tennessee River Gorge to Cumberland Gap. Several sections are within driving distance of Cookeville, offering single-day and multi-day options on the plateau rim with dramatic cliff-edge views.
More infoPiney River Trail (Frozen Head State Park)
About an hour west of Cookeville, Frozen Head offers some of the most rugged hiking in Tennessee. The Piney River Trail follows a clear mountain stream through old-growth forest. Frozen Head Mountain Road is also the starting point for the legendary Barkley Marathons.
More infoQuick Tips
- Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls are both under 15 minutes from downtown Cookeville - easy afternoon trips.
- Center Hill Lake water levels fluctuate with TVA dam operations. Call ahead or check TVA lake info before boating.
- Fall Creek Falls gets extremely crowded Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekday visits are significantly better.
- Most state parks in Tennessee are free to enter. Camping, cabins, and some activities have fees.
- AllTrails has good reviews and current conditions for most trails near Cookeville - worth checking before unfamiliar hikes.
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