Burgess Falls State Park
Experience Tennessee's dramatic waterfall sequence, from the powerful 136-foot Burgess Falls to smaller cascades, set in a rugged limestone gorge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow, fewer crowds
Burgess Falls State Park
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Tennessee's dramatic waterfall sequence, from the powerful 136-foot Burgess Falls to smaller cascades, set in a rugged limestone gorge.
"A hidden masterpiece of Tennessee’s natural beauty! Burgess Falls is one of those rare places where nature feels like art in motion."
Check Water Flow Before You Go
Waterfalls are best after rain. Summer can mean low flow. Check recent conditions!
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails are rocky and steep in places. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Burgess Falls
Main waterfall
A powerful 136-foot block waterfall plunging into a large, scenic plunge pool. Feel the mist on windy days!
Upper Falls
Upstream from main falls
An impressive 80-foot cascade, part of the dramatic sequence of waterfalls in the gorge.
Middle Falls
Upstream from main falls
A beautiful 30-foot waterfall that adds to the park's stunning natural beauty.
Little Falls
Upstream from main falls
The smallest of the four main falls, a charming 20-foot cascade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Water Flow
Trail Difficulty and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
At the base of Burgess Falls 🛶 Putnam County, Tennessee
Check Water Flow Before You Go
Waterfalls are best after rain. Summer can mean low flow. Check recent conditions!
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails are rocky and steep in places. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
The lower falls at Burgess Falls State Park, Sparta, TN
What are the must see waterfalls around here?
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
No Swimming Allowed
Dangerous currents and rocks mean swimming is prohibited. Stay safe! :noentrysign:
Waterfall Trip 4-6 day must have must see
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Flow Before You Go
Waterfalls are best after rain. Summer can mean low flow. Check recent conditions!
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails are rocky and steep in places. Good grip is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
No Swimming Allowed
Dangerous currents and rocks mean swimming is prohibited. Stay safe! :noentrysign:
Bring Your Camera
This is a photographer's paradise with stunning natural beauty. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Burgess Falls State Park, particularly the dramatic sequence of four waterfalls. The park is praised for its natural scenery and photography opportunities. However, some find the main trail strenuous, and parking can be limited during peak times.
"Burgess Falls State Park, located on the Falling Water River in Middle Tennessee about 15 miles south of Cookeville, protects one of the state’s most dramatic waterfall sequences. Spanning roughly 350 acres in Putnam and White counties, the park is best known for its four waterfalls that drop a combined 250+ feet as the river plunges through a deep limestone gorge.
The main attraction is 136-foot Burgess Falls, a powerful block waterfall that crashes into a large plunge pool. Upstream, in order:
• 20-foot Little Falls
• 30-foot Middle Falls
• 80-foot Upper Falls
All four can be seen on the popular 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail hike (rated moderate to strenuous because of steep stairs and rocky sections). The trail ends at an overlook platform directly above the main falls—close enough to feel the mist on windy days.
The park is a day-use-only facility (no camping), open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. Besides hiking, visitors enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass below the falls, picnicking, and birdwatching (look for great blue herons and occasional peregrine falcons). A butterfly garden and native plant area sit near the parking lot.
Because the Falling Water River is rain-dependent, the waterfalls are most spectacular after spring rains or winter thaws; summer can see dramatically reduced flow. Swimming is prohibited anywhere in the gorge due to dangerous currents and undercut rocks—several fatalities have occurred over the years.
Getting there: Take I-40 to exit 286, then TN-135 south about 8 miles. Admission is free; parking is ample. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails. The park’s rugged beauty and easy access make it one of Tennessee’s most photographed natural features."
Chris Konecny
"Fairly simple yet natural hike to see all three falls. They are beautiful. You can get into the river near the parking lot/Pavillion use area. There is a gravel road to the lookout for Burgess Falls. RV park right next to the falls and hiking trail. Our Starlink would have worked nicely at the RV park due to minimal trees around the sites."
Deanna Price
"So cool. Parking was full so waited a little to get a spot but not too long. There’s a path to walk to the falls or you can take the side of the mountain natural path. We went that way with our two little kids it was pretty strenuous but really fun! There’s a few places to see the falls. Beautiful"
Lindsay Regelli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take I-40 to exit 286, then head south on TN-135 for about 8 miles. The park is well-marked. Ample parking is available, though it can fill up on busy days.
Yes, the park is located about 15 miles south of Cookeville, TN, and is generally easy to find following signs from I-40.
The main access is via the 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail, which leads to overlooks of all four falls. There's also a gravel road to an overlook for the main Burgess Falls.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy the outdoors. :dog:
Yes, there is an RV park located right next to the falls and hiking trail, offering potential for overnight stays with good Starlink reception due to minimal tree cover.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Burgess Falls State Park is free. Parking is also free, though it can be limited during peak times.
The park is a day-use-only facility and is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. There is no camping available within the park itself.
No advance booking is required as admission is free. However, arriving early is recommended on weekends due to limited parking. :ticket:
There are no specific age restrictions, but the trails can be strenuous and are not recommended for those with walking issues. Parental supervision is advised for children.
The main River Trail is rated moderate to strenuous with steep stairs and rocky sections, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. There is a gravel road to an overlook for the main falls.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail is the most popular, leading to all four waterfalls. It's considered moderate to strenuous due to steep sections and rocky terrain.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited in the gorge due to dangerous currents and undercut rocks. Several fatalities have occurred here.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, looking for great blue herons and occasional peregrine falcons. The river below the falls is also good for fishing.
Yes, there are picnic areas available, including a pavilion near the parking lot, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Absolutely! Burgess Falls is considered one of Tennessee's most photographed natural features, offering stunning views of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Burgess Falls State Park is a day-use facility and does not have any restaurants or food services within the park. It's recommended to bring your own food for picnics.
The nearest dining options are in Cookeville, TN, which is about a 15-mile drive north of the park. You'll find a variety of restaurants there.
Yes, picnic areas are available, and bringing your own food is encouraged. There's a pavilion near the parking lot that's great for picnics.
Typically, there are no food trucks or vendors operating within the park. It's best to come prepared with your own snacks and meals.
Pack sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. If you plan to picnic, bring a blanket or utilize the available picnic tables.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks for all four falls offer fantastic photo opportunities. The main Burgess Falls overlook provides dramatic views, especially with mist.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, creating softer shadows and golden hues. However, the dramatic mist can be present any time after rain.
For casual personal photography, no permit is typically required. For commercial photography or large events, it's advisable to check with park management.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and gorge. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light. Consider a rain cover for your gear due to mist.
The natural textures, the interplay of light through the trees, and the mist rising from the falls create unique, artistic shots. The butterfly garden near the parking lot also offers colorful subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no food services within the park. The picnic areas are a great spot for a family lunch. While swimming is prohibited, the surrounding natural beauty provides ample opportunities for exploration and enjoying the outdoors. Ensure children stay on marked paths and are supervised closely, especially near the gorge.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, consider visiting after rainfall to ensure peak water flow. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft illumination. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, but be cautious of slippery surfaces due to mist.
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Beyond the main trail, the park offers opportunities for birdwatching and fishing in the river below the falls. The butterfly garden near the parking lot is a pleasant, more relaxed area to enjoy native flora. Always check water flow conditions before your visit, as the falls are most impressive when the river is high.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Four Waterfalls of Burgess Falls
Upstream from the main falls, visitors will encounter the Upper Falls (80 feet), the Middle Falls (30 feet), and the Little Falls (20 feet). Each cascade offers its own unique beauty and charm, contributing to the park's dramatic natural landscape. The River Trail provides access to views of all four, though it requires navigating steep stairs and rocky terrain.
It's crucial to remember that the water flow is highly dependent on rainfall. During dry spells, especially in summer, the falls can be significantly diminished. For the most spectacular views, plan your visit after periods of heavy rain or during spring thaws.
Hiking the River Trail
Expect to encounter steep stairs and rocky sections that require careful footing. This terrain makes the trail less suitable for individuals with walking difficulties or very young children. Proper footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Despite the challenge, the reward is the breathtaking proximity to the powerful cascades and the immersive natural environment.
While the main trail is demanding, there's also a gravel road leading to an overlook for the main Burgess Falls, offering a more accessible viewing point. Visitors can also explore the area near the parking lot, which features a butterfly garden and native plant area, providing a gentler experience.
Safety and Regulations
Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails, which is a great perk for pet owners. However, it's essential to keep dogs under control and clean up after them. The park is a day-use facility, meaning there is no overnight camping. It opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset, so plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the full daylight hours.
For photographers, the park is a dream, but be mindful of the mist from the falls, which can make surfaces slippery and potentially damage equipment if not protected. Always stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit