Cookeville, Tennessee: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips From Cookeville, TN: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Putnam County

If you live in or around Cookeville, Tennessee, you already know it’s a sweet spot in the Upper Cumberland. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see what’s beyond Putnam County for a day. The good news? You’re surrounded by small towns, state parks, lakes, and roadside gems in every direction. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Cookeville, all in the nearby counties of Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Smith, and White. Each one is close enough for a half-day escape, but fun enough to fill a full weekend.

1. Cumberland County: Explore Cumberland Mountain State Park & the “Golf Capital of Tennessee”

Just about 35–40 minutes east of Cookeville, Cumberland County feels like a mountain getaway without the long drive. Don’t-miss stops:
  • Cumberland Mountain State Park (Crossville) – Walk across the historic stone arch bridge, rent a paddleboat on Byrd Lake, or hike an easy lakeside trail. The paths are well-marked and family-friendly.
  • Buc-ee’s in Crossville – Yes, it’s “just” a gas station, but it’s a road trip experience in itself. Grab brisket, fudge, and way too many snacks for the ride.
  • Downtown Crossville – Small shops, local eateries, and a relaxed vibe. Great place to stretch your legs.
If you’re into golf, Crossville is known as the “Golf Capital of Tennessee.” Even if you’re not a serious golfer, the courses are beautiful to drive past, especially in the fall. Road-trip tip: Pack a picnic and grab a lakeside table at the state park. It’s a simple, low-cost day out.

2. DeKalb County: Lake Day at Center Hill Lake & Artsy Vibes in Smithville

Head about 40 minutes south from Cookeville and you’ll land in DeKalb County, home to the beautiful Center Hill Lake. Top things to do:
  • Center Hill Lake – Rent a pontoon boat, go fishing, or just hang out by the water. The coves around the lake are great for swimming and relaxing.
  • Edgar Evins State Park (DeKalb side) – Climb the overlook tower for lake views, walk a wooded trail, or enjoy a slow drive through the park roads.
  • Smithville – If you like small-town charm, check out the historic courthouse square, local diners, and if you time it right, festivals and live music on the square.
I like to think of DeKalb County as Cookeville’s “lake escape.” When summer gets hot, a quick trip to Center Hill feels like a mini beach vacation without the ocean.

3. Fentress County: Big South Fork & True Tennessee Backroads

If you’re craving rugged scenery and wide-open spaces, point your car north toward Fentress County. It’s usually about a 1–1.5 hour drive, depending on where you go. Highlights:
  • Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (Fentress side) – Think dramatic cliffs, river views, and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
  • Historic Rugby (just over the line, often accessed from Fentress) – A quirky 1880s British-style village in the Tennessee hills. It feels like stepping into another world.
The drives out here are half the fun. You’ll pass rolling farms, old barns, and roadside produce stands. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. Pro tip: Bring sturdy shoes, water, and maybe a backup snack. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas, which honestly makes it easier to unplug.

4. Jackson County: Quiet River Views in Gainesboro

About 35–40 minutes northwest of Cookeville lies Jackson County and the sleepy little town of Gainesboro, tucked along the Cumberland River. What to do:
  • Stroll Downtown Gainesboro – Walk the square, browse antique or gift shops, and enjoy that “everybody knows everybody” kind of town feel.
  • Riverside Time – Look for river access spots or overlooks. Anglers often love this area for its peaceful fishing spots.
  • Local Eateries – Grab lunch at a locally-owned café or diner. The food may be simple, but it’s usually hearty and reasonably priced.
If Cookeville feels busy to you, Gainesboro will feel like someone turned down the volume on life. It’s ideal for a slow Sunday drive when you don’t want a big agenda.

5. Overton County: Livingston’s Town Square & Standing Stone State Park

Northeast of Cookeville, Overton County offers small-town charm plus easy access to forests and lakes. Must-see spots:
  • Livingston Town Square – A classic Tennessee courthouse square with shops, restaurants, and occasional events. Great for a casual afternoon.
  • Standing Stone State Park (nearby, commonly visited from Overton) – A peaceful park with a small lake, stone structures, and quiet trails.
Livingston makes a good “coffee and a walk” kind of trip. Grab a drink, explore the square, then head out to the park to finish the day with a short hike. Road-trip idea: Combine Overton and Jackson Counties in one loop: Cookeville → Livingston → Gainesboro → back home.

6. Smith County: Rivers, History, and a Taste of Small-Town Carthage

To the west of Cookeville, Smith County centers around Carthage and the meeting of the Caney Fork and Cumberland Rivers. Things to do:
  • Carthage & South Carthage – Drive along the river, see the historic buildings, and explore the courthouse area.
  • River Views – Look for public areas along the water where you can stretch your legs, take photos, or just watch the current go by.
  • Local BBQ or Meat-and-Three – Smith County is a good place to hunt down classic Southern comfort food.
If you enjoy learning about Tennessee history and politics, Carthage also has ties to notable political figures, which adds a layer of interest to an otherwise easygoing day.

7. White County: Waterfalls and Caves Around Sparta

South of Cookeville, White County is packed with natural attractions and is one of the most popular quick escapes from town. Top picks:
  • Burgess Falls State Park (White side) – While technically near the county line, one of the main access points is on the White County side. Short hikes lead to a series of dramatic waterfalls plunging into a gorge.
  • Sparta, TN – A classic Tennessee town with a central square, local diners, and a friendly vibe. Great base for exploring nearby outdoor spots.
  • Rockhouse State Memorial – A quick historic stop near Sparta, interesting if you like roadside history with your road trip.
I’ve found White County to be one of the easiest “wow factor” day trips from Cookeville. Waterfalls, scenic drives, and good food all within an hour? Hard to beat.

8. Cumberland & White Counties: Fall Creek Falls Day Trip Loop

Yes, Fall Creek Falls State Park is mainly in Van Buren and Bledsoe Counties, but one of the most common ways Cookeville folks get there is by driving down through White County and sometimes skimming into Cumberland County. It’s such an iconic regional destination that it belongs on this list. What makes it special:
  • Fall Creek Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., and very easy to reach by foot from the main parking area.
  • Scenic Overlooks – Deep gorges, cliffs, and sweeping views make this a photographer’s dream.
  • Hiking & Suspension Bridge – There are paths for all skill levels, including some short, family-friendly options.
Many folks from Cookeville like to take the backroads down, hit the park for a few hours, then loop back up through Sparta for dinner before heading home.

9. DeKalb & Smith: Scenic Backroads Between Center Hill Lake and the Caney Fork

Not every road trip needs a single big destination. Sometimes the drive is the main attraction. If you like rolling hills, lake views, and river crossings, try wandering the backroads between DeKalb County and Smith County. Ideas for the drive:
  • Start near Smithville and Center Hill Lake in DeKalb.
  • Take backroads toward Alexandria or Dowelltown, then angle west toward Smith County and Carthage.
  • Stop at small churches, old cemeteries, and roadside produce stands for photos and snacks.
This kind of wandering route is perfect when the weather is nice and you just want to roll with it. No big schedule, just a tank of gas and a rough idea of where you’re headed.

10. Overton & Fentress: Highland Rim Scenic Drive

For one last idea, combine Overton and Fentress Counties into a highland-drive loop. Why it’s worth it:
  • Cooler Temperatures – These higher elevations can feel a few degrees cooler in summer.
  • Scenic Ridges – Long ridgelines and sweeping views over farms and valleys.
  • Small Town Stops – Pull into gas stations, mom-and-pop stores, and country markets along the way.
If you like the “old Tennessee” feel—front porches, tractors, and two-lane roads—this loop is like stepping into a slower, quieter version of life.

Tips for Planning Your Cookeville-Area Road Trips

To make these short drives even better:
  • Check park hours – State and national parks sometimes adjust hours seasonally.
  • Bring cash – Some small businesses or roadside stands may not take cards.
  • Fill up first – Gas stations can be few and far between on the backroads.
  • Watch the weather – Waterfalls and rivers are extra beautiful after rain, but trails can get muddy.

Ready to Hit the Road From Cookeville?

Living in or visiting Cookeville, TN puts you in the middle of a whole world of easy short road trips. Within about an hour in almost any direction, you can find:
  • Waterfalls and lakes
  • Quiet small towns
  • Scenic drives and ridges
  • Local diners, BBQ joints, and mom-and-pop shops
Next time you’re wondering, “What is there to do near Cookeville?” try picking one of these out-of-county adventures, toss a cooler in the trunk, and just go. Now it’s your turn: Have you tried any of these road trips from Cookeville? Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Smith, or White County? Share your tips and stories in the comments, and if you found this helpful, please share this post with a friend who’s always up for a drive. The more ideas we trade, the better our next weekend escape will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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