The best walks and hikes around Cookeville

Yes, Cookeville has several options perfect for a family outing. The Dogwood Park loop is a very short and easy walk right in town. For something a bit longer but still gentle, the trail around Cane Creek Lake offers a pleasant walk with nice water views.

Many trails in the Cookeville area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, especially in state parks. It's always best to check the specific park's regulations before you go. Generally, dogs must be kept on a leash. Trails in city parks and rail trails are often a good choice for hiking with your canine companion.

The region is famous for its waterfalls. For a truly impressive sight, visit Burgess Falls State Park, where a trail leads past four waterfalls, culminating in the stunning 136-foot Burgess Falls. Another popular spot is Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern US.

Absolutely. You can drive to several stunning viewpoints. Millikan's Overlook in Fall Creek Falls State Park provides expansive views of the park's gorges. For a very short walk to a beautiful cascade, the Cummins Falls Overlook loop is a great option that leads to a viewpoint of the falls without the difficult hike into the gorge.

Reaching the base of Cummins Falls is a strenuous and challenging experience that requires a Gorge Access Permit. The route involves navigating a rocky, slippery riverbed with multiple water crossings. You should be in good physical condition and wear sturdy, closed-toe water shoes. The overlook trail is a much easier alternative if you are not prepared for the gorge.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Virgin Falls State Natural Area offers strenuous trails. The main trail is a demanding hike leading to the unique Virgin Falls, where a stream emerges from a cave, drops 110 feet, and vanishes into another cave. Another tough option is the Window Cliffs State Natural Area, which features a rugged 5.4-mile trail with numerous creek crossings.

The trails around Cookeville are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity, from the dramatic waterfalls and deep gorges to the peaceful woodland paths. The accessibility of so many stunning natural features within a short drive of the city is a frequently mentioned highlight.

For most trails, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are essential. The terrain can be rocky and slippery, especially near waterfalls.

Always carry plenty of water and some snacks. If you plan to hike into gorges like at Cummins Falls or Window Cliffs, be prepared with water shoes and a dry bag for your belongings. A map or a GPS app like komoot is also recommended, as cell service can be unreliable in some of the more remote areas.

Most state parks like Burgess Falls and Fall Creek Falls have designated parking areas. However, they are very popular destinations, especially on weekends and during peak season. It's a good idea to arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot and avoid the biggest crowds.

The gorge hike at Cummins Falls is significantly more difficult and strenuous than the main trail at Burgess Falls. The Burgess Falls trail is a well-defined path with some stairs and elevation change, but the Cummins Falls gorge route requires scrambling over large, slippery rocks and wading through the river. Both are rewarding, but the Cummins Falls gorge hike demands a higher level of fitness and preparation.

Yes, there are several great loop trails. The main trail at Burgess Falls State Park is a 1.5-mile loop offering views of its series of waterfalls. In Cookeville itself, the path around Cane Creek Lake is a pleasant 2.1-mile loop. For a shorter option, the overlook trail at Cummins Falls State Park is also a loop.