Burgess Falls State Park Tennessee
Burgess Falls State Park is a state park and state natural area in Putnam County and White County, Tennessee, located in the Southeastern United States. The park is situated around a steep gorge in which the Falling Water River drops 250 feet (76 m) in elevation in less than a mile, culminating in a 136-foot (41 m) cataract waterfall.
I was fortunate enough to be able to visit this park while on the way for a weekend camping at Standing Stone State Park. This place is totally amazing, it was like walking on to the set of Jurassic Park. The hike down the falls is pretty strenuous and along several sections the trail has a 20-40 foot drop down one side. So be careful particularly with children if you take them along like I did.
The Burgess Falls State Natural Area, which covers 350 acres, is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
The history of Burgess Falls can be traced back over three centuries. Before European settlement, Indians of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes shared this region as a hunting ground. One of the first white settlers, Thomas Burgess, received a land grant here in 1793 as payment for his service in the Revolutionary War. By the late 19th century, a gristmill and sawmill were in operation on the river here. For the growing logging and farming communities, the Falling Water River played a key role by providing energy and recreational opportunities. Under protection as a State Natural Area since 1973, visitors today may enjoy the same scenic splendor of Burgess Falls, easily seen from the River Trail.
Video
I shot some video so you could get a feel for this place. Please ignore the horrible commentary.
I really need to figure out how to edit that out.The Falling Water River rises near the base of the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Putnam County and winds its way across the Highland Rim to its mouth along the Center Hill Lake impoundment of the Caney Fork River, which is located in an area where the Highland Rim drops off into the Central Basin. The Burgess Falls State Natural Area comprises the section of the river just above its mouth, where the river drops from roughly 900 feet (270 m) atop the Highland Rim to just over 600 feet (180 m) at Center Hill Lake. (Click for map)
Over time, the Falling Water River’s rapids have cut a deep gorge just above its mouth. The river drops to the Central Basin in a series of cascades and waterfalls, each gaining in size and intensity as the river approaches Center Hill Lake. At the Falling Water Cascades, located just downstream from the old Burgess Falls Dam, the river gradually spills over a 10-foot (3.0 m) embankment of rocks. Almost immediately downstream from the Cascades, the river drops another 30 feet (9.1 m) at Little Falls. Beyond Little Falls, where the river briefly bends to the north, is an 80-foot (24 m) cascade known as Middle Falls. Downstream from Middle Falls, where the river bends westward again, is the 136-foot (41 m) Burgess Falls. The distance between Falling Water Cascades and Burgess Falls is less than a mile. Burgess Falls spills into a large limestone gorge enclosed by sheer 100-200 foot walls. The Falling Water River enters Center Hill Lake roughly a mile downstream from Burgess Falls.
Photographs
Below is a slideshow of some of the pictures I shot as we wound our way down the 3 falls.
Directions
From I-40, take Exit 286. Turn South off the 286 ramp onto State Highway 135. Proceed on Hwy 135 for 7 miles following the signs to the park.
Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. until 30 minutes before sundown when gates are closed.
**Park is closed when the river is high or when there is snow on the roads and/or trails.
Links
Burgess Falls State Park Website
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