Last Stop before Kentucky
Just at 3-weeks into our 2023 Season and we land at a favorite area of ours in middle Tennessee. Cookeville is a small town getaway tucked within the Upper Cumberland region of the state that is close to several favorite activities: waterfall chasing, kayaking and (now) Bison viewing, and visiting old friends.
The Park
While in the area in 2021 we saw Old Mill Camp and were intrigued both by it’s location and the quaint family feel of the campground. When planning our 2023 travels, Mike knew he needed to get back to Cummins Falls State Park to photograph the falls and he immediately thought of Old Mill Camp for our stay. This family owned and operated business is located directly across from the entrance of Cummins Falls State Park and true to their advertising, they provide an exceptional camping experience. We truly enjoyed our short stay. The staff is all exceptionally friendly, the camp store is well stocked with necessities, snacks, fresh made goodies and souvenirs. The spots are spacious complete with full-hookups and well cared for bathrooms. All-in-all, we loved our stay and would highly recommend if you are in the area.
Things we did nearby:
Cummings Falls State Park
“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”
– John Muir
Cummins Falls State Park is an idyllic, but rugged, 306-acre day-use park located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim. The highlight of the park, it’s namesake, is the 75-foot waterfall and the largest in volume of water in the state of Tennessee.
The area has been a scenic spot and swimming hole for local residents for more than 100 years which is why in 2021 while visiting, we opted not to fight the crowds headed to the cool water to escape from the warm summer heat.
We chose a cool overcast day (perfect for photography) and were the first ones in the parking lot. After watching the introductory video about the dangers of walking the gorge we geared up in our sturdy water shoes and headed down. We had the place to ourselves for more than an hour and then it was just a couple of two after that. No one chose to frolic in the cool waters or scramble on the rocks, there were just the casual admirers.
Burgess Falls
Although you can view aspects of the falls from Burgess Falls State Park, the most dramatic view is from the base that is only accessible by a 2.5-mile paddle trip that begins at Cane Hollow Recreation Area.
This was our second time experiencing this adventure. The first was mid-summer in 2021 and it was a bit crowded and the water levels were low. Our recent adventure was a completely different experience as it was a mild day in April and we were the only ones around. Too make it even better, there was lots of water from recent rains so the waterfall looked even more magnificent.
Bison Viewing at Lazy G Ranch
We haven’t been out west to experience the magnificent Bison in their natural habitat; however, we were able to admire them on a farm in middle Tennessee called the Lazy G Ranch. We visited their store, The Wallow and browsed their gifts and their selection of meats. The staff was extremely friendly and full of knowledge of both the area and the farm. The resident bison and horses were entertaining, as well.
Of Interest in the Area:
Another paddle trip that we have enjoyed in the past is the Caney Fork River. In order to do this trip without a shuttle service, we positioned our bicycle at the pull-out location. We then drove to the put-in at the dam, waited for the release and floated the 9-miles as the river rose and the speed increased. It was a fun-fun day that we would recommend and the easiest way to experience it is with a guide service.
In Closing
We enjoyed our short 4-night stay in Cookeville, Tennessee and will definitely be back in the area.
Stay tuned for lots of posts and more importantly….. photographs by James Frazier (aka Mike).
Dream Big….Travel Far….Live Well
Photography
Many of these highlighted photographs can be purchased through our website and made into wall art, tapestries, t-shirts and more. If you see something you like without a link, please go here to our Tennessee website page Nspired Eye Photography
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