Hidden Treasures #3

Welcome to the third installment of our exploration of some of the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains. In this issue, we hand picked some water-related hot spots perfect for late summer days: hikes, waterfalls, swimming holes and everything in between — areas that are perfect for dipping your toes, or your whole self, into the water.

Cummins Falls

Photo by Chuck Sutherland

Established this year, Cummins Falls State Park is home to a majestic 75-foot waterfall and a swimming hole rated as one of the best in America by Travel + Leisure magazine. From the parking area, a three-mile hike leads you to the sound of rushing water. The trail turns to rock-hopping and wading as you approach the falls.

Stair-step rocks at the base of the waterfall provide perfect perches for cooling down on a hot day. The pool at the base of the falls is big enough to cannonball into with plenty of places to sit in shallow water and sunbathe when you get out.

Between 1825 and 2010, the waterfall and surrounding area belonged to the Cummins family, who allowed the public to visit the falls. Several years ago, a development was proposed to take over the land surrounding the falls, but the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation worked with the community to raise enough money to turn the area into Tennessee’s newest state park. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset year round, and overnight camping is not allowed. — By Jessica Kennedy

More Info: Located nine miles north of Cookeville, Tenn. Visit: tn.gov/environment/parks/CumminsFalls

Photo by Ken Gables Photography lighttowrite.com

Tellico River

Although the Tellico River begins in Western North Carolina, the majority of this fishing and whitewater haven flows through Monroe County, Tenn. A tributary of the Little Tennessee River, the best aspect of the Tellico is the quiet, peaceful trout fishing; it’s possible to find many spots along the river where you are alone with the fish and the sound of the river. Two tributaries of the Tellico, Bald River and North River, are also managed as wild trout streams and worth checking out if you want to venture a little deeper. Fishing season is year-round but best in spring or fall. Be sure to get your state issued fishing permit if you plan to fish here.

‘First Line of Defense’

During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.

Alice and Gary Stevens stand on their new 40-foot bridge with their dog in Watauga County, N.C.

The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery

Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.

Since the proposed federal prison near Roxana was first announced, it has faced opposition from some local residents. Photo by Willie Dodson

After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Erwin, Tennessee. Photo by Abby Hassler

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.

Shenandoah salamander. Photo by Rob and Ann Simpson

The Shenandoah Salamander

The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.

People gather around a basket of mushrooms in a forested area with ferns and other greenery

‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’

Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.

Hidden Treasures #3 – Tennessee

Cummins Falls

Tellico River