Major city · United States
Cookeville
Give Cookeville one night as an I-40 stop between Nashville and Knoxville, or two if you want Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls on separate days.
Cookeville is a small city on Interstate 40 in Tennessee's Upper Cumberland, about 80 miles east of Nashville and 100 miles west of Knoxville, and home to Tennessee Tech. Most travellers use it as a highway break with a walkable downtown of restaurants and bars, then add a waterfall hike at Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls. Two nights is enough for the town plus both parks; one night covers downtown and one park.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airports
- BNA · TYS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cookeville911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Cookeville Police (non-emergency)931-526-2125
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cookeville, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCookeville is a low-risk small city; the real hazards are highway driving, summer heat on exposed trails and fast-rising water in the river gorges.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 931-526-2125 Cookeville Police (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBNA Nashville International (About 1 h 20 min by car west on I-40; the usual arrival airport.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the waterfalls, Sparta and the interstate hotels are all outside walking distance.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Beerdraught at a downtown bar / can at a store$6–9$2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshare$10–16
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data plan, about a week$10–30
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$60
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$80
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$110
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BNA Nashville International (About 1 h 20 min by car west on I-40; the usual arrival airport.) · TYS McGhee Tyson (Knoxville) (About 1 h 45 min by car east on I-40.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Mar (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cookeville: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the waterfalls, Sparta and the interstate hotels are all outside walking distance. Downtown Cookeville itself is compact and walkable once you park. Greyhound serves the city on its national network (check current schedules and stop).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cummins Falls State Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive TN-290 north from Cookeville, about 20 min
Permit needed for the gorge; the overlook trail needs none.
Burgess Falls State Park
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive south via TN-111 and local roads toward Sparta
Short trail to the main falls; gates close in the afternoon.
Sparta and the Rock House
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive TN-111 south, about 30 min
Historic stone way station; limited opening hours, check before going.
Door to door: About 1 h 20 min
I-40 west
Too far for a comfortable same-day return with sightseeing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Interstate Drive and South Jefferson Ave
Chain hotels at the I-40 exit 288 cluster; easiest with a car and the cheapest rates.
Downtown around Broad St and Cedar Ave
Walk to restaurants, bars and the Depot Museum; few beds, so book ahead.
Tennessee Tech area (North Dixie Ave)
University-adjacent lodging; quiet in summer, busy on game weekends.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid chain hotel room1 × 1 night × US$120 | US$120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$65 | US$65 |
| Fuel, about 100 km of local driving1 × US$12 | US$12 |
| State park entry1 × US$0 · No entry fee at Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls; parking is free. | US$0 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$44 |
| Trip total≈ US$241 per person per day, bed included | US$481 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Diner or pub main | $12–22 |
| Beer: draught at a downtown bar / can at a store | $6–9 / $2–4 |
| 5 km taxi or rideshare | $10–16 |
| eSIM or data plan, about a week | $10–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cummins Falls requires a permit for the gorge and gorge access closes in high water; check park status before you drive out.
- Burgess Falls and Window Cliffs trails close at set hours and gates are locked; do not plan a late start.
- Summer heat and humidity are real on exposed trails; carry more water than you think you need.
- Cell signal is patchy in the river gorges below the falls.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Cookeville Police (non-emergency)
- 931-526-2125
Pocket card
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CookevilleCookeville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Cookeville; consulates are in Nashville and Atlanta.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BNA → Cookeville by car: about 1 h 20 min, 130 km (81 mi)about 1 h 20 min, 81 mi (130 km)
- Cookeville → Cummins Falls by car: about 20 min
- Greyhound to Cookeville: check current schedule and stop
Say or show
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the gorge open today? — Is the gorge open today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is it? — How far is it?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cookeville. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BNA and TYS: last-drive windows, rental-car fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters for downtown Cookeville with rescue anchors: Broad St, Cedar Ave, the Depot Museum.
- Place pages with verified gate times for Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls and Window Cliffs.
- Storm and high-water fixtures so gorge days can go green or be swapped.