Burgess Falls State Park
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Visitor Center Construction

Burgess Falls State Park

Update 4/3/2026: Construction of the new Visitor Center continues, and the upper parking lot remains closed. During this time, parking is extremely limited, and RV/trailer parking will not be available. Please plan accordingly and park in designated spaces only.

Due to the construction of the new Visitor Center, the park office has relocated to 8487 Burgess Falls Rd. Baxter, TN 38544. Parking will be limited at the park during construction. For more information, please see our recent press release. We thank you for your patience.

Before You Visit Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls State Park

Please Note: There is no access to the base of the falls from the park. The base of the falls can be accessed by boat or kayak from the Cane Hollow Recreation Area.

  • There is no designated swim area at Burgess Falls.

The park experiences high visitation. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the parking lot is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.

    • Burgess Falls State Park, encompassing approximately 304 acres, is a captivating destination renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty. Falling Water River is the lifeblood of Burgess Falls State Park, carving its way through the landscape and creating stunning vistas as it plunges over four waterfalls, including the impressive 103-foot Burgess Falls. Visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy picnicking, and witness the diverse flora and fauna that thrive within this natural haven. The base of the falls is accessed by boat or kayak from the Cane Hollow Recreation Area.
    More About the Park

    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety

      Certain areas of the park pose safety risks that visitors should be aware of. The top of Burgess Falls requires caution due to unstable and slick rocks. Visitors hiking to the top of Window Cliffs should also exercise caution. A round-trip hike requires 18 creek crossings which can be challenging or impassable during high water as there are no bridges, only cables and rock crossings. Water can, at times, begin to rise in the creek unexpectedly due to rain in the watershed. Always check the weather reports before heading out. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet. Flip-flops are not recommended. 

    • Accessibility

      Burgess Falls State Park is dedicated to providing accessible facilities and experiences for all visitors. The park offers an ADA-accessible sidewalk that leads to the cascades, providing a way for individuals with mobility challenges to witness the beauty of the waterfalls. 

      More Accessibility Info

    • Responsible Recreation

      Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation — encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations. 

      Find Out How

    Burgess Falls Must-Know Information

    Listen as one of our Rangers guides you through the must-know information about Burgess Falls State Park. From where to park, best times to visit, how to access waterfall views, where to wade in the water, and upcoming improvements, this video offers a wealth of information.  

      • Another view of the upper waterfall at Burgess Falls State Park.

      Burgess Falls

      Located on the Falling Water River, this day-use park is noted for its natural beauty and four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. From the cascades to the towering Burgess Falls, visitors can witness the raw power and beauty of nature's artistry. 

      • Lush green forest surrounding rocky cliffs under a clear sky.

      Window Cliffs State Natural Area

      Window Cliffs is a prominent geological clifftop feature that consists of a very narrow, elongated ridge that lies in the neck of an incised meander of Cane Creek. A round-trip hike requires 18 creek crossings, which can be challenging or impassable during high water as there are no bridges, only cables and rock crossings.  The trail is subject to closure due to flooding.  

      Learn More

    Park Activities

    Park Amenities

    • Amphitheater
    • Birding
    • Fishing
    • Gift Shop
    • Trails
    • Playground
    • Waterfalls
    • Wheelchair-Friendly Overlooks
    • Wheelchair-Friendly Paved Trails

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    For Schools

    Engage your students in a hands-on learning experience with Ranger-led or teacher-led programs at Tennessee State Parks. 

    Request a Program

    PLATINUM

    More Sustainability Information

  • Reduce Erosion

    Installed recycled plastic steps on the main trail to minimize erosion.  

  • Nurture Native Habitats

    Encourage native plants and butterfly-attracting flowers to enhance wildlife habitat. Created a pollinator garden. Installed bat, wood duck, and 160 bluebird boxes.  

  • Community Programs

    Partnered with Friends Group to build bluebird houses to be hung at local schools.  

  • Energy Efficiency

    Switched to using energy-efficient LED lights. Installed a solar-powered traffic counter.  

  • Natural Composting Practices

    Implemented a food waste compost area near the pollinator garden. Enabled composting at the park office.  

  • Water Conservation

    Built and installed rain barrels for water conservation.  

    • Help Preserve the Future

    Join our majestic teams to preserve, protect, and nurture Tennessee State Parks. 

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    Contact Information

    • Burgess Falls State Park

      8487 Burgess Falls Rd
      Baxter, TN 38544
      United States

      1-931-432-5312
      Hours

      8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

      Reservations & Information
      1-888-TN-PARKS
      1-888-867-2757

    • Main Trailhead

      4000 Burgess Falls Drive
      Sparta, TN 38583
      United States

      Hours

      Nov 1 - 2nd Sun. in March
      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

      2nd Sat. in March (DST) – April 30
      8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

      May 1 - Aug. 15
      8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

      Aug 16 - Oct. 31
      8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    • Window Cliffs Parking Lot

      8400 Old Cane Creek Rd
      Baxter, TN 38544
      United States

    • Window Cliffs Day Use Area

      8400 Old Cane Creek Rd
      Baxter, TN 38544
      United States

      Hours

      Summer (Mar 1 - Oct 31)
      8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
      Gates close at 4:00 PM 

      Winter (Nov 1 - Feb 28) 
      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
      Gates close at 2:00 PM

    • Burgess Falls Visitors' Center Gift Shop

      8487 Burgess Falls Road
      Baxter, TN 38544
      United States

      1-931-432-5312
      Hours

      Daily
      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM