Tennessee Waterfalls

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Wow! It’s been a long time that I have felt inspired enough to write a blogpost. With all that has transpired over the last several months, blogging seemed trivial. Honestly, it still does feel that way but I am holding onto the reasons I started blogging in the first place–my creative outlet, something to do.

A friend of mine came across this article on Narcity.com titled, “9 Waterfalls in Tennessee that are free and relatively easy to hike to,” and sent it my way. I’m all about a day trip and I’m definitely all about “free.” So, I started plugging the waterfalls into Waze to see how far they were and decided that I’d tackle a few. It has been raining quite a bit this season so I was almost certain that the falls would be worth the drive. And, of course, I checked IG for recent posts to confirm that the photo-op would level up to my expectations.

About the Falls:

Cummins State Park– Located near Cookeville, TN. The 2.1 trail loop is categorized as “moderate” but this trail takes you directly to the gorge of the falls (which requires a permit for access). There is also a 0.5 mile trail that takes you to an overlook (which is the option I chose as a solo hiker) with a pretty decent view.

Burgess Falls State Park– Located near Baxter, TN. This 1.1 mile hike is categorized as an “easy, out-and-back” trail. There are options to take the “nature” route or the “paved” service road route. This waterfall cascades down from over 250 feet in elevation. You can actually hike right up to the start of this waterfall to the point that you can touch it. There are no barrier or barricades.

Rock Island State Park “Twin Falls”– Located about 35 miles south of Burgess Falls is categorized as an”easy” or “moderate” hike depending on which trail you take. What is neat about this state park is that it was formerly apart of a cotton textile mill and was powered by the falls. This particular park was crowded so I don’t advise going in the middle of the afternoon.

Know Before You Go:

1. Be advised that the drive to these gems requires you to go through “small-town” Tennessee. Interpret that as you must coming from a black woman.
2. Take your mask, wear you mask. Yes, it’s an outdoor adventure but several other people have the same idea to explore the great outdoors.
3. Try and get there when they open to avoid the larger crowds that will follow toward the middle of the day.
4. Take water and snacks.
5. The areas are shaded, but apply your sunscreen.
6. I walked away without any bites, but having bug spray wouldn’t hurt.
7. Wear appropriate shoes whether hiking boots, sneakers, or water shoes if you plan on going into the falls.
8. Check the park’s advisories on their websites before going. There may be weather related changes or closures preventing you from experiencing the entirety of the falls.
9. If you go by yourself like I did, share your location with someone just in case.
10. Enjoy being outdoors and don’t be scared of the distanced human interaction you’ll get to have!

Also, please vote in this upcoming election! vote.org