Burgess Falls State Park Guide: Trails, Tips, and Scenic Waterfalls

If you’re looking for a scenic day trip from Nashville or Chattanooga, Burgess Falls State Park is a must-visit destination. Tucked away in the heart of Tennessee, this park is known for its stunning series of waterfalls, peaceful forest setting, and family-friendly hiking trails. The main River Trail leads visitors past four breathtaking waterfalls, ending at the dramatic and iconic Burgess Falls, which plunges over 130 feet into a limestone gorge. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a fun and easy nature walk with the kids, the Burgess Falls hike offers the perfect mix of beauty, adventure, and accessibility.

Note: This is a hiking guide and safety is very important.

Our Hiking Trip Story

It was the weekend of my birthday and my husband told me to pick a hike to go to. After about two weeks of thinking and looking through all of the saved places on my Google Maps I decided that Burgess Falls will be the one. It was an easy hike but from all the photos I’ve seen, it was worth it.

I told my mom where we were planning to go and she immediately packed up and came to my house the day before. She wanted to go to this hike so badly that she didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity.

Saturday came along and off we went. We drove about 2 hours from Clarksville, Tennessee to Burgess Falls State Park. The minute we parked I can already hear the river flowing and the nearby cascade.

As we started on our trail we stopped at every gorgeous scenic spot and overlook that came across. We took in every minute we could from the cascades to the other three waterfalls. It was so worth the trip and short two hour hike. Definitely the highlight to my birthday weekend.

About Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park is known for its natural beauty and four exquisite waterfalls. This Tennessee state park is located on the Falling Water River and now a natural gem located in Sparta, TN. Originally this area was populated by Native Americans from the Cherokee, Creek, and Chickasaw tribes which they used as a hunting ground. In the late 19th century, Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Cookeville as well as used as an operating site for gristmills and sawmills. The territory didn’t become a Tennessee State Natural Area until 1973. Tennessee now protects the diverse forests and aquatic habitats located within what is now known as Burgess Falls State Park.

Burgess Falls State Park also operates Window Cliffs State Natural Area but please keep in mind that though they are managed together, the trails on each area do not connect. The entrance to Window Cliffs is located approximately eight miles away from the entrance of Burgess Falls.

Hiking Trails at Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls State Park has three gorgeous trails for you to take. We did two of them when we visited. The two trails we took were the River Trail and Base of Falls Trail. Overall it took us about 1.5-2 hours. We did stop at every single overlook and beautiful scenic spot to take photos and give the little ones a break.

The trail is very well kept and fairly easy. It does some have stairs on the trails which may be a little difficult for children so take it easy with them on these areas. Overall the park altogether was amazing and very clean.

Let’s dive in to the Burgess Falls hike!

River Trail

When getting out at the parking lot we decided to start on the River Trail. We chose this hiking trail because it takes you past four waterfalls that run through the Falling Water River. These four waterfalls are pinned on the Google Map above. These include:

• Falling Water Cascades – a 20 foot cascade.
• Little Falls – 30 foot upper falls
• Middle Falls – 80 foot middle falls
• Burgess Falls – 136 food lower falls

After hiking through the waterfall trail and reaching Burgess Falls, most people hike back to the parking lot along the service road. This is the route that we took to get back as my little one was tired after doing Base of the Falls Trail.

• Length: 0.8 miles (approximately 1.6 mile round trip)
• Difficulty Level: easy-moderate (it says strenuous on their website but for our family it wasn’t strenuous at all. Both of my kids (age 7 and 5) did it without any help or complaints.
• Terrain: rugged dirt trail with stairs in several areas of the trail.

Base of the Falls Trail

After reaching the final overlook at the end of the River Trail you have the option to do the Base of the Falls Trail. This trail is a little more difficult but not by a lot. Definitely hold your little ones hands as you go down. This trail leads to the base of the trail but due to some damage to the stairs leading to the base, you can no longer go all the way to the gorge.

• Length: 0.3 miles round trip
• Difficulty Level: moderate (It says very strenuous on the website and their signs but it really wasn’t all too bad for us. My girls did it pretty well. On our way back up my youngest got tired and started to complain mainly because of all the stairs.)
• Terrain: rugged dirt trail with stairs in several areas of the trail.

Ridge Top Trail

The Ridge Top Trail is the third trail that Burgess State Park offers. It is a scenic trail with beautiful views down the main canyon of the Falling Water River. We didn’t take this trail though but hope to do it next time we visit.

• Length: 1 mile round trip
• Difficulty Level: easy
• Terrain: rugged dirt trail

Other Hiking Trails Near Burgess Falls

If you are looking for more hiking trails and campgrounds near Burgess Falls then here is a quick list of some of the ones I have visited and love. You can click on each one of them for more details about the hiking trails and campgrounds so you can better plan your next outdoor trip.

• Cummins Falls State Park
• Rock Island State Park
• Fall Creek Falls State Park
• South Cumberland State Park

Family-Friendly Hiking Tips for Burgess Falls

Before the Hike

Before going on the hike, I highly recommend going to the bathroom as the only restrooms in the area are near the parking lot. The bathrooms were very clean when we went, but keep in mind they are basic park facilities, so go before you hit the trail. It’s also a good idea to apply sunscreen and bug spray before starting, as the trail can be sunny in parts and mosquitoes are common, especially in warmer months. Don’t forget to bring water bottles, a small first aid kit, and any essentials your kids might need while on the trail.

During the Hike

Some of the advice that I can give when hiking at Burgess Falls State Park with children is to do frequent stops when going through the stair areas of the trail. We actually stopped at every overlook and scenic spot to give the girls a break. These stops not only gave them a chance to rest but also let us soak in the beautiful views and take photos along the way.

Another tip is to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water throughout the trail and don’t forget to let your little ones have a snack. Lightweight, mess-free snacks like granola bars or fruit leathers are great to bring along.

Also, because of the drop-offs and cliff areas, please hold your children’s hands and keep a very close eye on them, especially near the Burgess Falls overlook. At the end of the Base of Falls Trail, there is a significant drop-off where the waterfall begins. It’s a beautiful spot, but also one of the most dangerous areas along the hike. There are railings in place, but younger children can easily slip past them if not closely supervised. For extra peace of mind, this may be a good time to use a hiking harness or child backpack carrier if your child is on the younger side.

Finally, take your time. The trail is not long, but it’s packed with views, uneven terrain, and areas that require careful steps. Slow and steady is the way to go, especially when hiking with kids.

After the Hike

Don’t forget to stop at the playground near the parking area to let the kiddos burn off any extra energy and have some last bit of fun before heading out. We let our girls play there for a while and then enjoyed a relaxing picnic on the tailgate of my husband’s truck before continuing our adventure at nearby Rock Island State Park.

If you prefer, there are also picnic tables available throughout Burgess Falls State Park where you can enjoy a meal or snack. Many families were spread out on the grassy areas with blankets and hammocks, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Bringing along a picnic is a wonderful way to extend your visit, especially if you want to relax and take in the natural beauty before heading home.

Important Safety Tips for Hiking with Kids at Burgess Falls

Safety should always come first when exploring Burgess Falls State Park with children. From staying on marked trails to keeping a close eye near steep drop-offs, following these important safety guidelines will help ensure your family enjoys a worry-free and fun hike.

What to Pack for a Family Hike at Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls is a short day hike. It took us approximately 2 hours to do both trails. Here is a quick list of the items we brought along with us as well as details on what to wear.

• Backpack: My husband brought along his assault pack for this hiking trip.
• Hydration: We used our reusable water bottles for this hike. Our favorites are Hydroflask and Healthy Human. We love these bottles because it keeps our water nice and cold all day long.
• Snacks: We brought some dehydrated mangos and trail mix. Just bring your favorite trail snacks.
• Comfortable clothing: I highly recommend wearing comfortable clothes suited for the weather you will be in. I always recommend clothing that will dry fast.
• Comfortable shoes: Comfortable sneakers with good grip should work just fine.
• Mosquito Repellent: This is a must for my family. The mosquitoes seem to love my kids and husband very much but never seem to bother me at all. We like to use the Repel Plant Based Insect Repellent and never had any issues with it.

More Packing Tips for Hiking with Kids

Want more tips on hiking with kids? I have created two hiking packing guides that will greatly help you out. If you are hiking with a baby then Baby Hiking Essentials is the guide for you. If you are hiking with toddler aged kids and up then Hiking with Kids Essential is the guide that you need to look at.

Best Time to Visit Burgess Falls

Choosing the right time to visit Burgess Falls can make a big difference in your experience. Learn about the best seasons, weather considerations, and crowd patterns to help you plan the perfect trip.

Location and Information for Burgess Falls

Below you can find Burgess Falls address and phone number for easy directions. You can copy the address below and paste it in your GPS for easy navigation.

4000 Burgess Falls Dr.
Sparta, TN 38583
(931) 432-5312

Don’t forget to check the Burgess Falls State Park website for advisories, possible closures and more details on this gorgeous park.

Note: There is no camping at Burgess Falls State Park. There are, however, nearby campgrounds but are not part of the park. I haven’t checked them out personally but did past a one or two on the way there. Rock Island State Park and Fall Creek Falls State Park are nearby and they do have a campground available.

Summary of Burgess Falls State Park

Overall, we had an amazing time at Burgess Falls State Park. It is a fairly easy trail to do with your family and the gorgeous waterfalls make it worthwhile. I can’t wait to go back again. Burgess Falls State Park is a stunning destination that showcases the natural beauty of Tennessee. From its powerful waterfalls to its family-friendly hiking trails, it’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re visiting with kids or exploring solo, this peaceful spot is perfect for a day of adventure and connection with nature. Don’t forget your camera and take your time soaking in every scenic view along the way.

Have you ever been to Burgess Falls State Park? How did you like it? Which waterfall did you like best?