News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cummins Falls State Park has officially opened its new 3,600 square-foot wheelchair-accessible overlook.
Park Manager Ray Cutcher said this is a major change from the small outcropping that only one of people could get to at a time. He said rugged terrain with roots and loose rocks that led to the overlook made it nearly impossible for someone with mobility limitations.
“We’ve had a lot of people show up in the years we’ve been open who really haven’t been able to get around to see things here,” Cutcher said. “Especially the waterfall. So, it is a big deal to us to be able to have that access where they can enjoy the park along with everybody else.”
Cutcher said the observation deck hangs over the cliff, offering a view like never before. He said the deck is held up by 20-foot steel rods drilled into bedrock. He said in trying to get to a good vantage point, people might have stepped past the railing on the outcropping into an unsafe area before the new overlook was constructed.
“It’s very exciting,” Cutcher said. “It’s probably the project I’ve been most excited about since we opened the park, even more so than the visitor’s center when we had it added. It’s something that we’ve needed for quite some time. It’s something that we’ve been working toward for a handful of years as well, so we’re very happy.”
He said while he is glad to provide those with physical limitations with expanded opportunity for outdoor adventure, this change benefits anyone who wishes to visit the park.
“They definitely benefit as much as anybody else,” Cutcher said. “I think it’s a very valuable thing for all of us to have these spaces to be able to get out and enjoy and relax and unwind.”
The park held the official opening of the new overlook Friday. Cutcher said the large turnout at the event was evidence that the community is excited about the more accessible view of the falls.
