A Family Hike to Cummins Falls State Park in Tennessee

Several weeks ago, my family of 5 took a spontaneous day trip from Nashville to Cummins Falls State Park where we hiked, swam and explored and it reminded us that we need to take more similarly spontaneous trips. Here’s why it was perfect for our family:

1. The Drive from Nashville

The drive is about 1.5 hours from Nashville which makes it feel like we are getting out of the city but also very doable for a day trip. The park also has campgrounds near the trailhead. Everything is well marked and there is plenty of parking and clean public bathrooms (equipped with a baby changing station) at the trailhead as well.

2. The Hike to the Falls

The trailhead is located just a few yards from the parking area and there are park rangers checking bags and answering questions as you start.  It was fairly crowded the Saturday we hiked but it didn’t feel overwhelming. I’m sure a weekday hike would have fewer crowds. The hike to the Falls was challenging for my girls (ages 7, 10 & 12) but not too tough. (There is also a shorter hike to a waterfall overlook). The first ¼ mile of the hike is very steep and narrow. There are lots of rocks and some gravel on the way down (and remember that you have to hike back up) and also a few places where you get in single file. Once you get to the bottom, the terrain changes and you hike through the water or along the rocky edges. There are a few spots along the way where you can stop and swim or look for critters. You should be aware of water levels and slippery rocks. But the Falls at the end are a beautiful reward! It took us about an hour to hike to the Falls with several stops to explore and swim along the way.

3. The Falls

The Falls are magnificent! Once you get there, you can either swim at the bottom or climb up and around. We did a little of both. Climbing can be slippery – be very cautious – but all my girls loved exploring around and underneath the waterfalls for several hours. Again, it was crowded but there was plenty of room to swim and explore. We also saw several park rangers around the Falls for safety.

4. The Old Mill Camp & General Store

The Old Mill Camp and General Store are a short drive from the trailhead parking lot. The General Store plays oldies music outside, a jukebox plays inside, they serve hand-scooped ice cream, bologna and cracker sandwiches (whaaat – we didn’t try them), and lots of great t-shirts and memorabilia. Plus they have rocking chairs on the front porch. You can purchase Cummins Falls swag inside as well as inquire about other local state parks and area attractions.

*The general store is seasonal and is closed each year from Nov. 1st – Feb. 20th

5. Family Time

The entire day was spontaneous, challenging, exhilarating, pushed the girls (and me) out of their comfort zone and the perfect outdoor family adventure! My girls were not excited when we loaded them in the car early on a Saturday morning for a hike, but by the end of the day (before they each crashed on the car ride home) the girls all asked when we were going back and when we could bring friends! Next time, maybe we’ll camp at Old Mill Camp!

Some Tips for Hiking Cummins Falls State Park with Kids:

• Age recommendation: I recommend you bring kids who can walk/hike on their own and/or don’t need to be carried. I also recommend strong swimmers, but you can judge your kids.You can also bring life jackets to the Falls.
• Wear good water shoes – part of the hike requires walking through ankle to knee deep water.
• Wear clothes that can get wet and possibly a bathing suit underneath.
• Consider time to hike – make sure to allow plenty of time to get back up too.
• Check the website – if rain or weather is bad, they will close the Falls.
• Travel Light – we brought one backpack with water, snacks, a first aid kit, and sunscreen.
• Make sure you review hiking safety with your kids, stay on the path and occasionally pull over to let other hikers pass.
• I saw several hikers with baby carriers, but keep in mind that you will often need both hands during steep or slippery areas.
• Leave a change of clothes and towels in your car – even if you don’t swim, you will get wet and sweaty – we loved getting back to the car to find our fresh clothes and towels for the drive home.
• Stop at the General Store for hand-dipped ice cream or the delicious Waterfall Creamsicle Float before heading home!

Here are some hiking tips with kids that I share at Leadership Academy, LLC. And here is a post about heading further east from Nashville to visit Dollywood or west to The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis for other beloved Tennessee road trips.