Burgess Falls Trail Hiking Guide
On the Falling Water River, the water drops four times in under a mile — 20 feet, then 30, then 80, then a thunderous 136 feet into a deep gorge. The Burgess Falls Trail follows that staircase downstream along the rim, with each fall bigger than the last, and ends at an overlook above the main falls. It is short and easy, and on a spring day after rain it is one of the most dramatic sights within two hours of Nashville.
The Trail
Mapping sources put the out-and-back at about 1.3 miles with roughly 180 feet of gain; Tennessee State Parks lists the River Trail and Service Road loop at 1.5 miles round trip. The path follows the river past the cascades, the 30-foot upper falls and the 80-foot middle falls before reaching the overlook for the 136-foot main falls. There are stairs and some uneven sections, but it is manageable for most families.
No Access to the Base
There is no trail from the park to the base of the main falls. The old route down was destroyed years ago, and the park is clear that the base can only be reached by boat from Cane Hollow. The overlook is the end of the line for hikers. Do not try to scramble down the gorge walls; they are steep, loose and dangerous.
Parking in 2026
In spring 2026 the upper parking lot closed for construction of a new visitor center, leaving parking extremely limited and no room for RVs or trailers. The park asks visitors not to park along the roadside and to try another park if the lot is full. Check Tennessee State Parks alerts before driving out to see whether the upper lot has reopened.
When to Go
The falls are at their fullest in late winter and spring and after heavy rain; by late summer the flow can drop noticeably. Autumn colour in the gorge is excellent. There is no swimming area in the park. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the rim trail is pleasant in winter when bare trees open up the views.
Practicalities
Entry is free. Leashed dogs are allowed under Tennessee State Parks policy — though not at the separate Window Cliffs State Natural Area nearby. The park is between Cookeville and Sparta, roughly 90 minutes east of Nashville, and pairs well with Cummins Falls for a full waterfall day.
Hiking tips for Burgess Falls Trail
- Stop at the main-falls overlook — there is no legal hiking route to the base.
- Check park alerts first; construction left parking extremely limited in 2026.
- Visit after rain or in spring when all four falls run at full volume.
- Never park on the roadside; the park asks you to try another park if the lot is full.
- Pair it with Cummins Falls for a full waterfall day east of Nashville.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cummins Falls Gorge Trail
- Fall Creek Falls Gorge Overlook Trail
- Long Hunter Day Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Burgess Falls is an easy walk with a huge payoff and a great anchor for a waterfall road trip. Use TrailMates to find Nashville hikers to share the drive. Download the TrailMates app to connect.