Leave Flowery Branch around 6 a.m. Allow roughly 4–4½ hours of driving before breaks, taking I-985 N to I-75 N, then I-24 W and I-40 E toward Cookeville. Traffic around Chattanooga and Nashville can add time, so check conditions before you set off. Head west of town to Burgess Falls State Park once you arrive. Give yourself 1½–2 hours for the falls and overlooks; the trail has uneven sections and stairs, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. There’s generally no admission fee.
Return to Cookeville Depot Museum downtown for a look around the historic depot and its local exhibits; about 45 minutes should do it. Check the museum’s current schedule before driving over, since its hours can vary. Then make time for Cookeville Antique Mall and browse at your own pace. If the drive or trail takes longer than expected, shorten the antique stop rather than trying to rush.
For dinner, stop at Five Guys in Cookeville: you can order a burger without the bun or in a lettuce wrap, and fries are another option. Tell the staff you need gluten-free food and ask about preparation and cross-contact, especially if you have celiac disease. Budget about $10–20 per person. This is a drive between the park and town, so expect to use the car for the day’s stops.
Head east from Cookeville on I-40 toward Ozone Falls State Natural Area, near Crab Orchard. Allow about an hour for the drive, plus time to park; the trailhead lot is limited, so an earlier start helps. There’s no admission fee. The walk to the falls is short but steep, and rocks can be slippery—wear shoes with good grip and stay well back from the edge.
From Ozone Falls, allow roughly 35–45 minutes to reach Cumberland Mountain State Park near Crossville. Spend about an hour around Lake Byrd and the historic stone dam; there’s no general admission charge. Then return to I-40 E for roughly 1½ hours to Knoxville, allowing extra time for traffic and the park detour.
At The Tomato Head, ask which dishes are gluten-free and let your server know about any allergy or cross-contamination concerns; the kitchen can advise on current options. Budget around $15–25 per person. If you have celiac disease, confirm preparation practices directly with staff, since menu options alone don’t guarantee a fully gluten-free kitchen.
After dinner, wander Market Square for 30–45 minutes. Keep snacks in the car for the drive, so you won’t need to make an unplanned food stop along the way.
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