It originates near Cookeville, Tennessee, and is a major tributary of the Roaring River.

East Blackburn Fork Creek drains northern portions of Cookeville and is crossed by Dodson Branch Road, while West Blackburn Fork Creek drains suburbs between Cookeville and Baxter and is crossed by Gainesboro Grade.

Shortly after the confluence of West and East Blackburn Fork Creek, the river is crossed by Cummins Mill Road (SR 477) and enters Cummins Falls State Park.

The waterfall within this state park is popular for both tourists and regional visitors.

Once the river leaves the park, it is paralleled by Blackburn Fork Road, a curvy and very narrow chipsealed road maintained by the Jackson County Highway Department.