Eighteen creek crossings are part of the trail to Window Cliffs. The round trip is 5.5 miles long and leads to a natural area whose natural rock bridges explain its name. There is a concrete planning figure for this hike—and a condition you should keep in mind.
Waterfalls and Trails with Distinctive Character
Window Cliffs is a 275-acre state natural area in southern Putnam County, designated in 2014. Natural bridges lie in narrow rock walls, formed by erosion in an oxbow of Cane Creek. The round trip takes about two and a half to three hours. When water levels are high, crossings can be difficult or impassable: there are no bridges, only cable and rock crossings. Plan your hike with water conditions in mind.
At Burgess Falls, the Falling Water River shapes the landscape, plunging almost 250 feet over three waterfalls. The 217-acre natural area spans Putnam and White counties and is managed by Tennessee State Parks. Hiking trails and picnic areas are available; check current information about operating conditions before your visit.
Cummins Falls is also a waterfall destination, but with a different focus: the 211-acre Cummins Falls State Park is a 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. Cane Creek Park adds a 262-acre park and a 56-acre lake to the options. Bee Rock, by contrast, is all about sweeping views and a short, family-friendly hiking trail. Trail length, creek crossings and park size offer different reference points for planning outdoor excursions based on your interests.
Railroad History and Culture in Cookeville
The Cookeville Depot Museum brings together a historic train station and insights into railroad history. The depot was built in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its collections include Tennessee Central Railway artifacts and an HO-scale model of Cookeville’s WestSide as it looked in the summer of 1955. The museum focuses both on the railroad and on a specific snapshot of the city’s history.
The Cookeville History Museum focuses its exhibits, programs and activities on the history of Cookeville and Putnam County. Its permanent exhibit follows a timeline from the region’s earliest inhabitants to the present day. Visitors interested less in a single era than in the broader sweep of time will find a different perspective on the area here than at the Depot Museum.
For live performances, the city-run Cookeville Performing Arts Center has 456 seats. In early fall, the theater also produces performances by Dogwood Shakespeare in the Park. Nearby Dogwood Park’s event program includes Third-Thursday concerts, After-Dark movies and Community Band concerts. Art Prowl adds to the cultural offerings with a free, two-day art tour held each fall that is mostly walkable. Event dates may change; check the latest dates before making plans.
Monterey, Local Markets and More to Discover
In Monterey, the Standing Stone Monument connects local history with a tangible relic: the monument in Whitaker Park includes an 812-pound piece of the original stone. Monterey also hosts the Standing Stone Celebration of Native American Heritage each October. The Monterey Depot Museum is a replica train station and visitor center that offers tours.
Markets also offer a glimpse of local products. The Monterey Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturdays and offers, among other things, homemade Amish breads and fresh produce; since market hours can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information. The Cookeville Farmers Market is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check current opening hours before visiting. Muddy Pond is associated with sorghum and fried pies—another local specialty alongside museums, parks and waterfalls.
Each destination has a different focus: trail length and creek crossings shape a trip to Window Cliffs, waterfalls and hiking trails take center stage at Burgess Falls, while the museums explore history and culture. This lets you choose what to discover in Putnam County based on what interests you most.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Cookeville, Lauderdale County, Shelby, Franklin County, Carter, Maury County, Monroe County, Hickman County.
For the broader travel overview: Tennessee.
