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SPECIAL THANKS

We'd like to extend a special thanks to the following folks who helped us make this project possible:

We'd like to that our funders USDA Rural Development , Tucker Foundation, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, the Cracker Barrel Foundation, our sponors, and the numerous other private and public donors that made this Web site and it's promotion possible.

MMA Creative
Thanks to Darrell Kerley, Jesse Kaufman, Donna Zec and all the Web site programmers at MMA Creative for nuturing the idea of this project and making it a reality. 

Thank you Randy Williams of the Upper Cumberland Development District for giving this project the Edge, and thanks to all our members and partners who have always participated with the Alliance, and supported our efforts to pursue a more inclusive vision for the region's future.  

 

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Natural Sites Natural Sites

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park

The Best Waterfalls

Burgess Falls cascades 130 feet in a deep gorge and viewed and accessed via a short trail from the state park's parking lot. The trail to deck overlooking the waterfall is approcimately 3/4 of a mile with another half a mile to reach the base of the falls, so a visit could be made in an hour and a half. It is by far one of the most popular parks and waterfalls in the state of Tennessee.

Burgess Falls is named after Tom Burgess, a Revoluntionary War veteran who setttled along this section of the Falling Water River in the 1790s.  A 1.5 mile trail loop follows the bluffs along the south bank of the gorge, starting at Falling Water Cascades and ending at a platform overlooking Burges Falls.  Two other falls are also visible from the trail.  A stairway leads down to the overhang of Burgess Falls and continues down into the gorge.

Things to do in TN's Burgess Falls State Park

Hiking
The 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail/Service Road Loop is a moderately strenuous but short hike taking visitors past four waterfalls on the Falling Water River. The four waterfalls are 20' , 30', 80' , and 130' in height. Most people prefer to hike back to the parking lot along the service road after a hike to the viewing deck or to the base of the large falls.

Fishing
Fishing is open year-round and the most common catches are large and small mouth bass, brim and carp. The most popular fishing sites are along the lake, below the dam and below the main falls. The waters of Center Hill Lake reach the base of Burgess Falls.

For More Information

4000 Burgess Falls Dr.
Sparta, TN 38583

Phone: (931) 432-5312
Website: http://tn.gov/environment/parks/BurgessFalls/

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