Gorge Access Permits are required to access the gorge or the base of the falls and can be purchased online only on the Cummins Falls page of the Tennessee State Parks website. While gorge access is limited to 100 people per day, access to the overlook and other hiking trails above the gorge will not require a permit. All permit users will be required to watch a safety video before accessing the gorge. Access to the gorge and base of the waterfall is only allowed during fair weather conditions and is subject to change when rain appears anywhere in the watershed. Cummins Falls is the 8th largest waterfall in Tennessee. Hiking and swimming are the favorite activities in this park.