A Community Built on Heart
Discover the Untamed Beauty of the Upper Cumberland
lisa.willyoder@gmail.com
(931) 528-1573
(931) 265-0444
116 S Lowe Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
I often tell my clients that living in the Upper Cumberland is like having a national park in your backyard. I have been fortunate to be born and raised in the Upper Cumberland in Tennessee. And here, the rush of modern life slows down to the pace of our rivers. You are never more than a short drive from world-class fishing, hiking, kayaking, or simply sitting on a porch watching the mist rise off the mountains. It is a place where nature dictates the lifestyle, and neighbors still know each other by name.
Local Attractions
The Cumberland County Playhouse
Historic Downtown Cookeville
Upper Cumberland Wine Trail
The Geography of Home
Explore the Heart of Upper Cumberland
The Upper Cumberland is a region rich in natural beauty and vibrant communities, spanning fourteen unique counties. From the serene, glass-like waters of Center Hill Lake to the rolling limestone hills of White County, there is a diversity of landscape here that you cannot find anywhere else, with vast opportunity’s for fishing, hiking, and kayaking to spend your time. We are also centrally located, just over an hour from Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, giving you the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility.
Water Falls
Major Cities
Natural Caves
The Explorer’s Guide
Detailed Insights Into Our Parks, Waters, And Culture.
Tennessee’s Crown Jewels: A Guide to Our State Parks
When you choose to live in the Upper Cumberland, you are essentially buying a lifetime pass to some of the most spectacular public lands in the United States. Our state park system is not just a collection of trails; it is the heartbeat of our outdoor lifestyle.
Fall Creek Falls State Park Often cited as the flagship of the Tennessee State Parks system, Fall Creek Falls is a sprawling paradise covering nearly 30,000 acres across the eastern top of the Cumberland Plateau. It is a place I frequently recommend to families because it truly offers everything. The park is centered around the magnificent Fall Creek Falls, which plunges 256 feet into a shaded gorge, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. But beyond the falls, you have an 18-hole golf course, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a canopy challenge course. For those who want to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort, the new resort-style lodge offers a perfect weekend getaway just minutes from home.
Burgess Falls State Park Located right here in Sparta, Burgess Falls is a favorite for a quick but rewarding adventure. The Falling Water River drops 250 feet in elevation in less than a mile, creating a series of cascading waterfalls that culminate in a dramatic 136-foot plunge into the gorge. The hiking trail here is moderately strenuous but offers overlooks that rival any view in the Smokies. For a different perspective, I always suggest kayaking from the bottom. You can paddle all the way to the base of the massive falls, a truly humbling experience where you can feel the spray on your face.
Rock Island State Park Rock Island is unique because of its history and its geology. Located at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers, it offers a landscape that feels rugged and raw. The Great Falls here are actually created by a 19th-century cotton mill dam, resulting in a horseshoe-shaped cascade that is breathtaking. It is also a premier destination for whitewater kayaking and hiking the steep Blue Hole Trail. The sandbar area is a popular spot for locals to swim and cool off during our warm Tennessee summers.
Standing Stone & Cumberland Mountain If you prefer a quieter experience, Standing Stone State Park in Overton County and Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville are hidden gems. Cumberland Mountain features the Bear Trace, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that capitalizes on the elevation changes of the plateau. Standing Stone is steeped in history and offers rustic cabins and winding roads that are perfect for a Sunday drive. These parks are the lungs of our community, providing fresh air, recreation, and a constant reminder of why we call this place home.
Chasing Water: The Hydrography of the Highlands
There is a reason the Upper Cumberland is often called the “Land of Waterfalls.” With over 195 described waterfalls in our region alone, we have one of the highest concentrations of cascading water in the country. This is due to our unique geology—the resistant sandstone cap of the Cumberland Plateau sits atop softer limestone. Over millions of years, water has cut through cracks in the sandstone to carve out deep, vertical gorges in the limestone below.
Cummins Falls: The Local Swimming Hole For years, Cummins Falls was a local secret, a hidden gem on private land that we all cherished. Now a State Park, it has been named one of the ten best swimming holes in America by Travel + Leisure. The waterfall is 75 feet high, but what makes it special is the way the water terraces over wide rock shelves before landing in a deep, cold pool perfect for swimming. The hike down into the gorge is an adventure in itself, requiring you to wade through the creek and climb over rocks. It is the quintessential summer experience in the Upper Cumberland.
Virgin Falls: A Geological Marvel Virgin Falls is unlike any other waterfall in the region. Located in a 1,157-acre natural area near Sparta, the water flows out of a cave, drops 110 feet over a high cliff, and then—mysteriously—disappears into another cave at the bottom. There is no surface stream carrying the water away. The hike to get there is a strenuous 9 miles round-trip, making it a badge of honor for local hikers. The isolation and the sheer strangeness of the geological formation make it a spiritual place for many who visit.
Twin Falls at Rock Island Twin Falls is an accidental masterpiece. When the dam was built on the Caney Fork River, it raised the water level enough to force underground streams to burst out of the gorge walls below the dam. The result is a massive, 80-foot wall of water pouring directly out of the side of the cliff. It is one of the most photographed spots in Tennessee and is easily accessible without a long hike, making it perfect for evening sunsets or a quick visit with guests from out of town.
Living here means you can decide on a Tuesday afternoon to go see a world-class waterfall and be back in time for dinner. It is a luxury that few other places in the world can offer.
Culture, History, and the “Hub” Lifestyle
While our nature is wild, our communities are cultivated and rich with history. The Upper Cumberland is anchored by three main hubs: Cookeville, Crossville, and McMinnville. Each offers a distinct flavor of Southern living.
Cookeville: The Hub of the Upper Cumberland Cookeville is where I am based, and it is truly the economic and cultural engine of the region. Home to Tennessee Tech University, it has a youthful energy and an intellectual backbone that supports great schools and industry. The Historic WestSide district is my favorite place to walk on a Saturday morning. You can grab a latte at Poet’s Coffee, browse the vinyl at local shops, or visit the Cookeville Depot Museum to learn about the Tennessee Central Railway that put us on the map. We also have a growing brewery scene with spots like Red Silo Brewing Company offering locally crafted beers in a converted silo.
Crossville: The Golf Capital of Tennessee Just up the mountain is Crossville. Known as the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” it attracts retirees and sportsmen from all over the nation. But the crown jewel of Crossville is the Cumberland County Playhouse. This isn’t just community theater; it is a professional regional theater that attracts over 80,000 visitors a year. I have seen productions there that rival anything in Nashville. It is a testament to the fact that you do not have to live in a big city to have access to high culture.
The Lake Life: Center Hill & Dale Hollow Our lifestyle is heavily oriented around the water. Center Hill Lake and Dale Hollow Lake are two of the most pristine reservoirs in the South. Dale Hollow is famous for holding the world record for smallmouth bass, but it is also known for its houseboat culture. Families here spend their summers on the water. Sunset Marina and other local outfitters make it easy to rent a pontoon or a jet ski for the day. Whether you are an angler looking for a trophy catch or just someone who wants to float in a quiet cove, the lake life here is second to none.
The Wine Trail Finally, we have seen a beautiful explosion of agritourism. The Upper Cumberland Wine Trail features stops like Stonehaus Winery in Crossville and DelMonaco Winery in Baxter. These vineyards offer tastings and tours that showcase the rich soil of the plateau. It is a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon, tasting local varietals and looking out over the vines that grow right here in our backyard.
Upper Cumberland Life Style
A Place Rooted in Community, Growing with Purpose
Life here is defined by a rare balance. It is where the peace of the mountains meets the convenience of modern living. I have watched this region evolve into a place where you can spend your morning on a quiet trail and your evening enjoying fine dining or live music. The cost of living remains affordable, and the people are genuinely friendly. It is a community where neighbors still look out for one another, yet we are seeing exciting growth that provides stability for families and investors alike.
Education Heading
Tennessee schools are strong, with many local districts earning the highest ratings on the State Report Cards. Ensuring our students are prepared for the future.
Job Market Heading
Our job market is steady and diverse, with robust growth in sectors like government, healthcare, and leisure and hospitality. With an unemployment rate consistently below the national average
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Leveraging 30 Years of Market Mastery for You
Specialty :
Listing And Selling Homes
Expertise :
Real Estate Negotiator
Experience :
Over 30 Years
E-mail :
lisa.willyoder@gmail.com
Phone :
(931) 265-0444
Call me today, to find your own piece of paradise where the people are friendly and the cost of living is affordable.
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