A 103-foot waterfall, the last and largest of four cascades on the Falling Water River's 250-foot drop through a wooded gorge.
Burgess Falls State Park, in Putnam County near Sparta and Cookeville, follows the Falling Water River as it tumbles over four named cascades on a combined descent of more than 250 feet before reaching the Caney Fork. The last and tallest of the four, Burgess Falls itself, plunges 103 feet into the gorge below. An ADA-accessible paved sidewalk from the main trailhead reaches views of the upper cascades, though there is no access to the base of the falls from the park; the base can only be reached by boat or kayak from the separate Cane Hollow Recreation Area, and there is no designated swim area anywhere in the park.
Tennessee State Parks warns that the rocks at the top of Burgess Falls are unstable and slick, and the connecting hike to nearby Window Cliffs State Natural Area involves 18 creek crossings that can become dangerous or impassable after rain. As of an April 2026 park update, construction on a new visitor center has closed the upper parking lot, leaving parking extremely limited with no RV or trailer space available; the park office has temporarily relocated to 8487 Burgess Falls Road in Baxter. Tennessee state parks charge no general entrance fee, but check the park's current alerts for construction and parking status before visiting, since the main trailhead is at 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, a different address from the relocated office.
As of an April 2026 update on the official park page, construction of a new Visitor Center has closed the upper parking lot; parking is extremely limited and no RV/trailer parking is available. The park office has temporarily relocated to 8487 Burgess Falls Rd, Baxter, TN. Check the official page for current status before visiting. Check the current notice ↗
Know before you go
Main trailhead at 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN; park office temporarily relocated to 8487 Burgess Falls Rd, Baxter during visitor center construction.
Open year-round; hours vary seasonally (shortest Nov 1-mid March, 8am-4pm; longest May 1-Aug 15, 8am-7pm).
ADA-accessible sidewalk to the upper cascades; no base access from the park (boat/kayak only via Cane Hollow Recreation Area). Window Cliffs connector involves 18 creek crossings, closes in flood conditions.
No general entrance fee for Tennessee state parks.
ADA-accessible paved sidewalk to the cascades; the base of the falls and the Window Cliffs trail are not accessible.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
