Burgess Falls For Educators

Warning Alert

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.

  • close up shot of a butterfly on a blade of grass

    • Burgess Falls Educator Programs

    Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger? 

    Tennessee State Parks offer accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today.

    Group Constraints

    At Burgess Falls State Park, we're currently building a new visitor center for your enjoyment. During this time, we may or may not have access to both parking lots. This could mean limited parking spots for large groups and no space for school buses. While we aim to accommodate all school requests, this will be a significant consideration. The construction is expected to be completed in 2026. 

    Our Programs

    At Burgess Falls, we've set a limit of 25 hikers to ensure the highest quality educational programs. Our trails are narrow, making it difficult for large groups to hear the Ranger's informative talks. If your group exceeds 25 people, the park will need to know details such as how many visitors total will be attending, and the type of transportation being utilized. We may still accommodate you, but there will be some limitations. 

    We can divide large groups into smaller ones to ensure everyone has a rewarding learning experience. Alternatively, we can arrange a pre-hike briefing and then guide the group to and from the waterfall. 

    Window Cliffs State Natural Area is an option for larger groups, although it lacks facilities. 

      • Elderly man and children examining footprints in sand tray outdoors.

      Field Trips

      • Group of children listening to a man outdoors near a tree.

      School Outreach

      • Group of children walking on a forest trail.

      Self-guided/Teacher-led

    • view of looking up a waterfall from a kayak on the water

    What Do Burgess Falls Educator Programs Offer?

    Burgess Falls State Park offers field trips and school outreach programs on topics such as: 

    • Animal Adaptations (with or without live animals)
    • General Biology
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Ecosystem Guided Hike
    • Local History Guided Hike
    • Park Career Options 

    How to Request a Program

    Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least four to six weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.  

    To complete the form:  

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks to find the park that has the right location and program available for your needs. You can request more than one park and more than one program.

    • 2.

      Identify the type of program(s) of interest.

      You are not limited to just one program. When completing the application, provide us the list of specific programs you are interested in. 

    • 3.

      Complete the form.

      Fill out our program request form and submit. Once submitted, allow 10 days for processing.

    Request a Program

    Funding Assistance

    Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.

    The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs at a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.   

    When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support. 

    Download PDF

    What’s Next?

    Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.

    The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.    

    If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.

    Submitting for Funding Reimbursement

    To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:  

    1. Bus invoice
    2. Park invoice
    3. Photos
    4. Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
    5. Student and teacher feedback
    Apply for Reimbursement

    Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully.  

    Become a Tennessee Conservationist

    Escape into the stories and insider information about the history and cultures in Tennessee with the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks. Become a Tennessee Conservationist by subscribing today.  

    Subscribe