Attractions and Places To See around Cookeville - Top 7

Cookeville is known as the "Waterfall Capital of the World." You can visit Burgess Falls State Park, which features a series of four waterfalls, including the impressive 130-foot Burgess Falls. Another popular spot is Cummins Falls, a 75-foot cascading waterfall. For a more accessible option, City Lake Falls offers a short, mostly paved trail.

Yes, Cookeville offers various hiking opportunities. Burgess Falls State Park has scenic trails past its waterfalls. For a different experience, you can explore routes like the Blackburn Fork River, Cummins Falls Overlook, and John Cummins Loop, or the Cane Creek Park Paved Trail. You can find more details on these and other trails in the Hiking around Cookeville guide.

Cookeville has a rich history. The Cookeville Depot Museum, housed in a preserved 1909 train depot, showcases the town's railroad history. The Cookeville History Museum offers self-guided tours detailing local history. You can also explore Historic Downtown Cookeville, which features a historic square with shops, restaurants, and galleries, including the Historic WestSide Cultural District.

For families, Cane Creek Lake in Cane Creek Park is ideal, offering fishing docks, kayak and canoe rentals, and playgrounds. The hike to City Lake Falls is also considered family-friendly due to its mostly paved path. Dogwood Park provides walking trails, gardens, and an interactive fountain, often hosting seasonal events.

Yes, you can go swimming at Cummins Falls. Visitors can swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, which is a popular activity on a hot day. Day-use permits are required for access to this area and should be obtained in advance.

The waterfalls around Cookeville are beautiful year-round. However, spring offers lush greenery and higher water flows from seasonal rains, making the cascades particularly impressive. Summer is popular for swimming at Cummins Falls, while fall provides stunning foliage as a backdrop to the natural beauty.

Yes, Cane Creek Lake, located in Cane Creek Park, is a serene spot for fishing and paddling, with kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes available for rent seasonally. City Lake also offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Further afield, Center Hill Lake is a popular recreation lake for boating and fishing.

Beyond natural beauty and history, Cookeville offers unique local experiences. You can visit the Tennessee Legend Distillery for spirit samples or the Red Silo Brewing Company for craft beers. The Upper Cumberland Quilt Trail provides a scenic drive to see painted quilt blocks on historic barns. The Cookeville Performing Arts Center (CPAC) also hosts various performances.

Cookeville offers various cycling routes for different skill levels. For road cycling, you can find routes like the Cookville to Waterloo Falls via Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail loop, which is considered easy. More challenging options include the Bell Hill – Columbus Hill loop. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Cookeville guide.

While many natural areas involve trails, Dogwood Park is generally accessible with walking paths and gardens. The Cookeville Depot Museum and the Cookeville History Museum are also designed to be accessible for visitors.

For Cummins Falls, day-use permits are required for access to the gorge and base of the falls. It's essential to secure these permits in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry and enjoy the swimming area. Always check the official state park website for the latest permit requirements and booking information.

For those interested in local craft beverages, Cookeville offers the Tennessee Legend Distillery, where you can sample spirits. Craft beer enthusiasts should visit the Red Silo Brewing Company, known for its small-batch brews and offering tours.

Visitors to Burgess Falls State Park particularly enjoy the hike along the Falling Water River, which takes them past four different waterfalls, culminating in the impressive 130-foot Burgess Falls. The limestone cliffs rising alongside the falls also create a notable natural monument, making it a highly scenic experience.