Burgess Falls State Natural Area

Burgess Falls State Natural Area is located on the Falling Water River between Sparta and Cookeville Tennessee. The Falls is just 10 miles north of Sparta by following Highway 111, exit at Old Kentucky Road and follow the state signs.

 
 Photo by Ross Cardwell
A view of the 130-foot Burgess Falls is easily reached by a 3/4 mile riverside trail to the overlook and for the young at heart you can climb down into the gorge to view the falls from the pool below.


Burgess Falls State Park & Natural Area is a wonderland of beauty with its sheer bluffs, waterfalls, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest.

A scenic riverside trail will lead you along several Cascades across a 80'-120' width of the limestone benches in the Falling Water River. Following the path you will enjoy views of the 47' Little Falls, the 70' Middle Falls and on to a point overlooking the beauty and splendor of nature that has come to be known as Burgess Falls, a 130' waterfall located in a large gorge on the Falling Water River. A view of Burgess Falls is easily reached by a 3/4 mile trail to the overlook and for the young at heart you can climb down into the gorge to view the falls from the pool below.

Burgess Falls Natural Area also offers picnicking below the dam, with a scenic view of the river.  There is a large picnic shelter ideal for large groups.  The shelter is equipped with tables, grills, rest rooms, and handicap facilities.  Shelter reservations are recommended.

Fishing is available on Burgess Falls Lake and also on the river below the dam. The tail waters of Center Hill Lake reach to the base of Burgess Falls and are noted for their excellent spring fishing.  A valid Tennessee fishing license is required for those 16-64 years of age.  There is no boat ramp. 

The area was named for Tom Burgess, who was deeded the land in 1793 by the US Government as partial payment for his services in the Revolutionary War.

The River played a very important role in the development of the surrounding region.  It provided a source of energy that, in the past, promoted this area as an important industrial region.  Along this river there once stood a gristmill operated by the Burgess family, which provided meal and flour to many settling the region.  Also powered by the river, there stood a sawmill that provided lumber instead of the handsaw lumber that took so long for the settlers to cut.  Probably the most noted industry here was the production of electricity.

Burgess Falls State Park & Natural Area is located 15 miles north of Sparta by following Highway 111, exit at Old Kentucky Road, turn left and follow the state signs.

Hours:  8am until 30 minutes before sunset

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