Guide to Burgess Falls: Accessing the Waterfalls on Center Hill Lake in Tennessee

Photographer: Rodney Pruitt Jr

Note:

You can visit the state park which includes hiking trails and multiple waterfalls

- or -

paddle / boat to the bottom of the largest waterfall at this state park

(The park does not offer access to the bottom of the largest waterfall. You will have to get there by boat, jet ski, kayak, paddle board or canoe.)

Burgess Falls State Park Address:

4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, Tennessee

Launch Ramp at Center Hill Lake

Drop your canoe or kayak in at the Cane Hollow Recreational Area. (See map) You can expect a roughly hour trip there and an hour back.

Burgess Falls State Park

Hiking Trails

Burgess Falls State Park offers several hiking trails that showcase the park's natural beauty and lead to different viewpoints of the waterfalls. The River Trail is an easy 1.5-mile trail that meanders along the Falling Water River, providing access to all four waterfalls. The Ridge Top Trail is a more challenging 1.5-mile trail that takes you to a scenic overlook of the river and surrounding landscape.

Water levels do fluctuate. Call the park ahead of time if planning a trip.

Picnicking

The park provides picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings. There are also observation platforms that offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

In the area? Rock Island State Park is another place to see on Center Hill Lake. It's on the south end and offers hiking, camping, fishing and even more glorious waterfalls! There's also Fancher Falls if you're up for another paddling trip.