Burgess Falls
Sparta, Tennessee
Details
Distance
1.56 miles
Elevation Gain
95 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by jeremiah Yoak
This family-friendly mile and half hike leads to the stunning 136 foot Burgess Falls.
If you like waterfalls, this hike is for you. Along the way you'll pass by Falling Water Cascades (20 ft), Little Falls ( 30 ft), Middle Falls (80 ft) and finally the main event, Burgess Falls (136 ft). There are a few spots for swimming so bring your suit if it's a warm day.
It's an easy hike suitable for children, but be sure to wear good shoes with grip - it can get slippery towards the end at the big waterfall.
You'll find the trailhead on the west side of the parking lot - it is well signed.
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Reviews
Definitely recommend going on the earlier side! It’s a very shaded hike so we stayed cool throughout despite it being quite hot out. Had no issue finding a spot to park and avoided the foot traffic that picked up after 11.
5.0
This hike was not too hard for those in decent shape. There are such beautiful falls and from the moment you start on the trail you can hear the rush of the water. I finished the whole trail in about 20 mins and that’s with a ton of stops for picture taking.
5.0
When I went the stairs were still washed out to the base. Otherwise this is a fantastic hike regardless.
4.0
Nice fairly easy hike with beautiful cascades and waterfalls. 3/4 of a mile to the big falls slightly more if you choose to hike to the bottom. One of the original overlooks is blocked off due to damage and will eventually be fixed.The park is in the middle of upgrading facilities such as bathrooms and area before the trail head.
5.0
Easy quick hike. I would do this hike and Cummings falls in the same day.
4.0
The stairs down to the lower level were closed due to flood damage, but you could still hike down to the upper half of the falls. We had a great time walking through the water and sitting on the ledge for a snack. Walk was steep but fine for my 2 year old to join us. Very fun hike, worth the drive!! There is also a small picnic area as well as a playground for kiddos!
5.0
... the trail to the lower falls was closed when we visited. I don't want to give it a lower review because the main waterfall looks AMAZING, but check the State Park's website to make sure the lower falls is open before you go. Other waterfalls are pretty too.
5.0
The trail is open all the way out to the lower falls overlook the stairs down to the bottom and one other lookout are still closed.
5.0
I went to the state park about a month ago, driving 3 hours from GA. We found out that every single trail leading to any overlook or view of Burgess Falls is sealed off and closed from public use. We spoke to the ranger and he told us that the stairs to the base of the falls and the overlook platforms were super unstable. So there needs to be some serious reconstruction. He said that it will probably take months, maybe even a year. Just wanted to put this here for those of you who plan on going to see this waterfall anytime soon. You won't be able to.
3.0
This is an easy hike with awesome waterfalls and riverside scenery to check out. Recently, the overlooks to several waterfalls were destroyed due to high rising river flow and weather conditions. These overlooks have been closed and the main trail to get down to Burgess Falls will not be repaired until next year because the bluffs eroded away.
4.0
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Nearby
Hike to Carmac Falls
Cummins Falls
Twin Falls, Rock Island State Park
Camp at Rock Island State Park
Hike to Lost Creek Falls
Welch's Point
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