Cummins Falls State Park
A 75-foot terraced waterfall drops into a popular swimming hole reached through a rugged gorge, while a separate overlook offers a safer view without entering the river corridor.
Artwork inspired by Mayna Treanor Avent
The gorge is an active hazard system, not a water park. Upstream rain can cause sudden flooding where escape routes are limited; slippery crossings, falling rock, cold water, and uneven terrain require decisions beyond ordinary trail walking.
Reserve the gorge permit before traveling, check the park’s live gorge status, wear secure shoes and a life jacket where required, and turn back if water rises. Families or visitors avoiding river crossings should use the overlook trail instead.
- gorge-status board
- Access decision starts here
- overlook trail
- Falls visible without gorge entry
- permitted river route
- Permit and water conditions required
Quick guide
- First move
- At Cummins Falls State Park, begin with gorge-status board: A 75-foot terraced waterfall drops into a popular swimming hole reached through a rugged gorge, while a separate overlook offers a safer view without entering the river corridor.
- Second look
- overlook trail: The gorge is an active hazard system, not a water park.
Let terrain determine the day
- Start with
- gorge-status board: A 75-foot terraced waterfall drops into a popular swimming hole reached through a rugged gorge, while a separate overlook offers a safer view without entering the…
- Look closely at
- overlook trail: The gorge is an active hazard system, not a water park.
- Connect the story
- permitted river route: A beautiful waterfall that demands river judgment.
- Plan around
- Reserve the gorge permit before traveling, check the park’s live gorge status, wear secure shoes and a life jacket where required, and turn back if water rises.
Good to know
Cummins Falls State Park: families or visitors avoiding river crossings should use the overlook trail instead.
Notice these
- gorge-status board
- overlook trail
- permitted river route