Nestled peacefully between Sparta and Baxter, Tennessee, you will find one of the most beautiful and diverse natural areas in the Upper Cumberland. Burgess Falls State Park, located on the Falling Water River, is one of the most easily accessible waterfall locations while also being the most adventurous. Just 18 miles south of Cookeville, the falls convenient location makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists from across the nation. 

Whether you arrive by car or kayak, the experience is equally spectacular. By land, you can view the first of four waterfalls just yards away from the parking lot, along with a native butterfly garden at the upper parking entrance. Designed with plants and wildflowers, the butterfly garden was created to entice Tennessee’s most spectacular winged friends to visit. A handicap accessible overlook, pet-friendly trail (leash required) along with multiple trail overlooks make this location great for the entire family to enjoy together. Multiple scenic decks, historic fact markers, a children’s playground, fishing pier and picnic pavilion make Burgess a great day trip. You can also plan an overnight trip and book a campsite at Whispering Falls RV Park located within walking distance from the entrance to Burgess Falls. 

For the first three waterfalls, the gentle slope of the hiking trail offers a mild to moderate hike for all ages, however it becomes more challenging to arrive at the last of the falls. This includes a natural staircase to the Big Falls overlook where a massive rush of water cascades over 130 feet into the gorge below, where you often see kayakers paddling about. The rush of the water along with the sounds of nature, creates a serene sense of tranquility and smallness.

To arrive by kayak, you can make reservations to rent a kayak through Canoe the Caney or simply bring your own kayak to Cane Hollow Boat Ramp on Center Hill Lake. If kayaking without a guide, you will need a lake map to easily navigate to the base of the Big Falls. Upon arrival, the experience will take your breath away. You can stop to picnic on the large rocks below, swim, or bird watch. As this is a natural attraction, keep in mind that the water at the base of the falls becomes shallow during hot or dry seasons, so check water levels before planning to arrive by kayak.

After hiking, you might build up an appetite. Chestnut Oaks Farm Store & Kitchen is less than a minute away from the park entrance and has the best burgers around. Whispering Falls Market can set you up with some of their famous made from scratch fried chicken.

Whether you come for the afternoon, the day, or the weekend, Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area is a beautiful experience for the entire family to make memories to last a lifetime. 

For more information, go to: tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls or stop by the Cookeville Visitor Shop for a free guide to Tennessee State Parks.

– written by Shan Stout, Director of Tourism/Cookeville-Putnam Co. Visitors Bureau, photos by Andrea Kruszka