a Hidden Gem Tennessee Town With Beautiful Waterfalls and Warm Hospitality

Tennessee is filled with mountain towns that promise scenic views, Southern charm, and plenty of outdoor adventure, but not all of them require you to elbow through crowds on the main strip.

I recently discovered Cookeville, a lesser-known gem tucked between Nashville and Knoxville. It delivers everything I love about a Gatlinburg getaway, but without the traffic or the long restaurant waitlists.

Instead, Cookeville welcomes you with cascading waterfalls, cozy accommodations, toddler- and dog-friendly parks and trails, and some of the warmest hospitality I’ve experienced in the South (which says a lot because I’m from the region). Whether you come for the waterfalls or the peace and quiet, this small town punches well above its weight in beauty and charm.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own crowd-free Tennessee escape.

How to Get There

Cookeville sits just off I-40, roughly halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. If you’re flying in, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest major hub, located a little over an hour west of town. From there, it’s an easy and scenic drive east through rolling hills and farmland. A car is essential as Cookeville is best explored by road, especially if you plan to chase waterfalls, visit the river, or venture into state parks outside of town.

Know Before You Go

Tessa Davis, marketing director for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors Bureau, shared, “I always tell visitors there’s truly something for everyone in Cookeville.” She continued, “Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, quiet, cozy evenings, unique shopping, local art, or family-friendly fun, our area offers everything.” Her words capture the charm and variety that make Cookeville such a special place to visit.

If you’re visiting, one of the top things to do is spend time at Cummins Falls; it was hands-down my favorite spot in the area. I highly recommend getting a permit to access the gorge, especially if you want to swim at the base of the falls. Just keep in mind this part of the trail isn’t ideal for toddlers or babies, so if you’re traveling with little ones, stick to the accessible Overlook Trail, which still offers a beautiful view of the waterfall.

Another tip everyone should know is Cookeville is only 1.5 hours from Nashville. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, consider spending three to four days here before heading into the city. You’ll get a mix of relaxed, local Tennessee charm and Nashville’s vibrant, fast-paced energy. That’s precisely what I did, and it made for the perfect way to spend a week in Tennessee.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is when Cookeville truly shines. The waterfalls are flowing, the splash pad at Dogwood Park is on, and the Cumberland River is the ideal temperature for paddling. May through September is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Davis agrees summer is when Cookeville comes to life. “My favorite time of year to explore Cookeville is summer,” she said. “There’s so much to enjoy outdoors—whether it’s hiking, chasing waterfalls, kayaking, or camping under the stars. I also love strolling through the historic WestSide with a coffee in hand or dining on the patio at one of our many local restaurants.”

Best Things to Do

Visit some waterfalls.

Cookeville has launched a fantastic initiative to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. As part of this effort, several of the area’s most stunning waterfalls now feature trails that are easier to navigate for wheelchair users, families with young kids, and those exploring with pets.

This campaign highlights five different waterfalls that are accessible to all, but my personal favorite is Cummins Falls. It’s not only impressive in its size and beauty, but it’s also a quick and convenient drive from downtown, making it both picturesque and easy to reach.

Davis shared that Cummins Falls is also one of her personal favorites, adding that Burgess Falls is another solid option. Both are located close to downtown, offer accessible trails, and make for a fun and easy outing the whole family can enjoy.

Relax at Dogwood Park.

Tucked right into downtown Cookeville, Dogwood Park is a favorite for visitors and locals alike. It’s particularly great for families with small kids, thanks to its shaded green spaces, impressive splash pad, and big playground for the kids to let out some energy.

Paddle the Cumberland River.

Just a short drive from downtown, the Cumberland River offers a scenic escape for kayaking, canoeing, or boating. Outfitters in the area can set you up with rentals, and the calm waters are excellent for beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Visit the Cookeville Depot Museum.

Stop by the Cookeville Depot Museum to appreciate the town’s roots. It’s housed in a beautifully preserved train depot and filled with artifacts and model trains that bring the area’s rail history to life. The museum is small enough to explore in under an hour, but packed with charm, especially if you’re traveling with kids or enjoy old-timey nostalgia.

Stroll the WestSide District.

If you love finding local treasures, the WestSide District is where you’ll want to spend a few hours. This artsy, walkable stretch of downtown is full of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries, each one worth poking around in.

Best Places to Stay

The Hideout Hotels at Cookeville

We stayed in The Caney, and it was terrific. These modern, design-forward homes have shared amenities like a sauna, a cold plunge, a putting green, and a basketball court. They’re designed for groups, couples, or families who want a unique stay.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Cookeville

For Hilton loyalists, Home2 Suites offers complimentary breakfast, parking, and comfortable rooms near restaurants and shops.

Wildwood Resort & Marina

Located outside Cookeville in a small area called Granville, Wildwood Resort & Marina on the Cumberland River offers a peaceful, nature-forward escape. It’s a bit of a drive from town and its restaurants, and there’s no cell service, but the river views, fresh air, and quiet more than make up for it. You’ll find a range of places to stay here, from Airstreams and cabins to hotel rooms and more. It’s a peaceful waterfront escape, with the added bonus of being just a short drive from the town of Cookeville.

Best Places to Eat

Victor’s Taco Shop

If you’re looking for a delicious, casual, and affordable lunch stop, don’t hesitate to stop by Victor’s Taco Shop. The al pastor and carne asada are standout options.

Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House

With funky ice cream flavors, giant scoops, and a relaxed atmosphere, this downtown spot is a must-visit. It’s also a great place to grab coffee and sit outside on a warm day.

Fire & Vine

Upscale but approachable, Fire & Vine serves up stone-fired pizzas with a view. The rooftop seating is ideal at sunset, and the wine list is excellent.

Crawdaddy’s

This restaurant serves up Louisiana-inspired Cajun foods. I recently visited New Orleans and was blown away by how authentic Crawdaddy’s felt and how delicious the food tasted. The jambalaya is soulful, and the shrimp po’boy is massive.

Ralph’s Donut Shop

No trip to Cookeville is complete without a trip to Ralph’s Donut Shop. These donuts are perfect for a breakfast stop; the blueberry was my personal favorite.