Putnam County: Waterfalls, Nature and Culture

Putnam County combines impressive natural scenery with museums, performance venues and regional traditions. Between waterfalls, hiking trails, historic railroad attractions and markets, you can shape your stay in many different ways. It is best to choose an apartment or vacation home based on your preferred focus: your itinerary can include active days along rivers and lakes as well as culture, art and local history.

Waterfalls, Trails and Exceptional Landscapes

In southern Putnam County lies Window Cliffs, a 275-acre state natural area. The trail to Window Cliffs is 5.5 miles long and includes 18 creek crossings on the round trip. Erosion has also created natural bridges in an abandoned channel of Cane Creek, known as the “Windows.” Those who prefer a shorter hike will find a brief, family-friendly trail at Bee Rock with expansive views.

Burgess Falls also makes a striking impression on the landscape. The 217-acre natural area lies in Putnam and White Counties and is managed by Tennessee State Parks. There, the Falling Water River plunges nearly 250 feet over three waterfalls. Hiking trails and picnic areas offer different ways to enjoy a visit. Cummins Falls State Park is a 211-acre day-use park on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, nine miles north of Cookeville. By water volume and height, Cummins Falls is considered Tennessee’s eighth-largest waterfall.

History, Art and Regional Events

Culture enthusiasts should take a look at Cookeville. The Cookeville Depot Museum is housed in a depot built in 1909 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include Tennessee Central Railway artifacts, a scale HO model of Cookeville’s WestSide in the summer of 1955, and several historic rail vehicles: a 1913 Baldwin steam locomotive, a red passenger car from the 1920s, a passenger car from the 1960s and two small track vehicles.

The Cookeville History Museum explores the history of Cookeville and Putnam County through exhibitions, programs and activities. Its permanent exhibition follows a timeline from the region’s first inhabitants to the present day. For live performances, the city-operated Cookeville Performing Arts Center offers 456 seats; in early fall, it produces performances of Dogwood Shakespeare in the Park. Art Prowl adds to the cultural calendar as an annual, two-day, free and largely walkable art tour held every fall.

Lakes, Cycling Routes and Regional Specialties

If you would like to combine water and exercise, the Lake at Meadow Creek Park, five miles east of downtown Monterey, offers opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. The Monterey Rail Trail also includes a 1.1-mile paved section between Oak Street and Crossville Street in Monterey. The Tennessee Twelve comprises twelve cycling routes with scenic landscapes and winding roads.

Local impressions are also part of planning a trip. The Monterey Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturdays and offers homemade Amish breads and fresh produce. The Farmers Market in Cookeville is seasonal and sells locally grown produce and handcrafted goods. Sorghum and fried pies are associated with Muddy Pond. In October, Monterey also hosts the Standing Stone Celebration of Native American Heritage.

Which Starting Point Fits Your Trip?

Cookeville-Putnam County lies at the intersection of Interstate 40 and State Highway 111. Those planning to focus primarily on waterfalls and hiking trails can compare Window Cliffs, Burgess Falls, Bee Rock and Cummins Falls. Those who prefer museums, performances, markets and events can focus their stay more on Cookeville and Monterey. For further comparison, Warren County, Knox, Loudon, Hardin County, Marshall County, Franklin County and Jackson County are also available.

For the overarching travel overview: Tennessee.