Have U 8 - Cookeville

This hike is amazing. You NEED water shoes, I was most comfortable in shorts and bikini bottoms as pants will get wet. Need to get a permit beforehand online. I also had a backpack and put my phone and car keys in a ziplock bag and boy did that save my life with the deep water, highly recommend if you don’t have a waterproof case. The water was waist deep in spots when I went since it rained all week, so definitely check the weather and know what to expect as well attire wise. It was pretty strenuous with a dog, but so much fun. I got there at 8am when the park opened so I could get pictures of the falls without people standing all over the falls. It was so peaceful going early. It’s not marked, but when you get down to the river, you turn left and hike upstream. You basically hike until the path runs out then cross the river and hike the path on that side. I crossed 4 times total the whole trip. I ran into 3 other hikers who were really cool and fun so we all walked together halfway to the falls. I can see why they say it’s hard for young children, I suppose if they are carried in a pack or you pick them up for certain boulders they could do it. But it’s tough! I was picking up my 50 pound pit-bull sometimes! It’s definitely worth the pain though 10/10 yes do it if you’re in the area.

Checking in and getting a permit to enter the water at the falls is worth it. The hike to the gorge itself is beautiful than when you actually reach it you're blown away. Wear sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet, wear or pack a swimsuit. And throw a towel in a backpack. Don't bring anything you can't afford to get potentially wet. This is not an average hike. Technical terrain with rocks and small boulders. The water is cold but very refreshing on a hot day! Highly recommended this experience!

Must get the permit to hike the gorge. It took a total of 1.5 hours from the parking lot to the base of the Falls. We crossed the river at the little waterfall on the right first. The water was about upper thigh high (I'm 5'2' the 2nd crossing was a little slippery, the water was just below knee high we followed the rock bed through back to the left side. The walk down to the river gets steep the closer you get. The hardest part of the hike is the walk back up from the river to the parking lot. The level was a 3 the day we hiked 5/8/22. The day before 5/7/22 it was a 4 gorge closed. Go as early as you can because this is an out and back hike, it gets busy and some of the trails are very skinny.

For sure a must do if you are in the area. 8th largest waterfall in the state. Absolutely breathtaking. You’ll definitely want to get the gorge access permit. It’s non refundable if the weather doesn’t allow access but at only $6.00 who cares? Totally worth it. The difference is seeing the falls up close not to mention taking a refreshing swim at the end of your hike or not. Definitely check the website before you go to see the water level and if it’s too high they won’t let you in the water even if you have a permit. There’s a little store to the right of the parking lot entrance called “The Old Mill” that has BOMB chicken salad as well as other made to order sandwiches at ridiculous prices. Every time we come here we grab a couple to go and eat them at the base of the falls after swimming. You’ll wanna pack drinks for sure too. As for difficulty level…not sure about the reviewers that say it’s hard…it’s really not. And if you hike often it’s below a moderate level. You definitely have to cross the river a few times back and forth to make it and there’s a SMALL bit of bouldering but definitely nothing crazy. I’d wear good water shoes and shorts…water never came up past our thighs when crossing the river to get to the falls. Every time we go we meet people with dogs which is always fun too!

This is an incredible location for hiking, featuring breathtaking views! It's a perfect spot to enjoy quality time with family. There's also a lovely swimming area right next to the waterfall. The trails are manageable; my 6 and 8-year-old kids were able to complete them all on their own. We had a wonderful time appreciating both the scenery and our overall experience!