Burgess Falls State Park - Hiking

Review

Intro

With stunning scenery and some amazing overlooks, Burgess Falls is a short and mostly level hike that should not be missed.

What Makes It Great

Burgess Falls often makes the cut for lists like "best waterfalls in Tennessee" or "best hikes near Nashville," and when you first see the 136-foot cascades you'll understand why.

Who is Going to Love It

Anyone will love this short waterfall hike.

When you think of hiking through narrow ridges, down sheer bluffs, along rolling waters and past multiple waterfalls dropping over 250 feet, you’d expect to be hiking a little deeper into the wild than 0.75 miles. 

Please note that the trail from the main overlook to the bottom of the main falls is very strenuous.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

You will first pass by two other water falls, the 30' Upper Falls and the 80’ Middle Falls, on The Falling Water River before making it to the main attraction, Burgess Falls. Dropping a total of 136 feet, this is quite the spectacle to see. Burgess Falls can be enjoyed year round, but it is recommended to check it out after a good rainfall so you can truly see the power of the falls as it spills into a large, limestone gorge enclosed by sheer 100-200 foot walls.

Although the 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail/Service Road Loop is the more popular trail, visitors are also encouraged to hike the 1-mile Ridge Top Trail for scenic views down the main canyon of the Falling Water River.