Spend A Weekend Waterfall Hunting In This Charming Tennessee Getaway

Cookeville makes a great base camp for an outdoorsy trip

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

If your idea of a dream getaway involves spotting waterfalls, hiking in a state park, and sipping local spirits, it’s time to plan a weekend in Cookeville, Tennessee. This nature-filled, outdoorsy town is enchanting in every season—the only difficult part of visiting is deciding which natural area to explore. Located between Nashville and Knoxville and north of Chattanooga, it’s easily accessible, too. Here are some spots not to be missed.

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

Cookeville’s “Waterfalls for All” campaign aims to make these natural wonders more accessible for everyone. The following state parks are just a few places to go for incredible views, and this helpful guide has even more.

Cummins Falls 

Located within Cookeville, this park’s namesake waterfall is worth a trip, as is its swimming hole. This area is fairly rugged, so be prepared for a hike and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Falls Creek Falls

See one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States at this state park in nearby Spencer. The massive park is one of the most popular in Tennessee for its picturesque cascades, gorges, and trails. It’s also popular with campers (tent, RV, and backcountry) and has a lodge within the park.

Burgess Falls

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

This park has a truly breathtaking sight that's worth a hike: four waterfalls that cascade down from more than 250 feet into a natural gorge.

Sample Local Spirits And Beer

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

Sevierville-based Tennessee Legend Distillery opened a Cookeville store where you can sample its locally-made spirits—including whiskey, creme liquors, and moonshine—enjoy them in cocktails, and maybe even take a bottle home with you.

Red Silo Brewing has more than 30 craft brews and sodas on tap, making it a family-friendly place to spend an afternoon. Check the brewery's calendar for regular events, food trucks, and live music.

Do A Little Shopping

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

Spend an afternoon strolling around Historic Courthouse Square, with its lovely old buildings and locally-owned shops, like The Market on the Square, which stocks colorful home goods, and clothing for women and children. For vintage treasures, head to Cookeville Antique Mall, a massive multi-vendor space. Broadway Boutique Mall is another fun place to shop for clothing, accessories, gifts, and more.

Check Out A Railroad Museum

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

A National Historic Place, the Cookeville Depot Museum is housed in a former train depot built in 1890. Inside the free museum, you’ll find Tennessee Central Railway artifacts, and outside, there is a park area with a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, a 1920’s classic red Tennessee Central caboose, and two small track cars on display. 

Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut

Ralph’s Do-Nut Shop has been a Cookeville institution since 1962. While the menu has grown over time, the business’s commitment to quality and freshness hasn’t wavered. In addition to delicious glazed and cake doughnuts, Ralph’s Butter Twists are another local favorite.

And Some Ice Cream

Go Waterfall Hunting At A State Park, Sample Local Spirits And Beer, Do A Little Shopping, Check Out A Railroad Museum, Don’t Forget To Eat A Donut, And Some Ice Cream

Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks. Although the store opened in 2011, its large, retro neon "Cream City" sign, which dates back to the 1950s, is a local landmark.

Post Related