There's something so magical about a waterfall when you're hiking through Tennessee as if you've wandered across a hidden gem or a magical grotto. Burgess Falls State Park is located in Baxter, Tennessee, a solid 90-minute drive from Nashville, and boasts one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Yes, you guessed it: Burgess Falls. Located on Falling Water River, it's best known for its massive water volume and the four waterfalls that cascade from the crest of the falls to the gorge below.
You can get to Burgess Falls by way of a 1.6-mile trail that's located in the state park of the same name. The trail is great for folks of all ages with a mere 209-foot elevation gain and an easy out-and-back structure.
You'll wander through some of the most beautiful backcountry in Tennessee before you reach the falls. The trail is mainly used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from January through September.
Then there's THIS view. Wow! The falls cascade down more than 130 feet into the gorge below and make for an incredible nature shot.
Make sure you stay long enough to really see how the massive waterfall rushes and tumbles into the huge natural limestone gorge.
The area was originally populated by Native Americans hailing from the Creek, Chickasaw, and Cherokee tribes. It was used as a hunting ground until a grist and sawmill began operating on the river in the 19th century, and eventually, the river was used to generate power for the city of Cookeville in the mid-20th century.
There's a lot of history here as well as quite a bit of beauty.
Have you ever hiked to Burgess Falls? Will you be visiting soon? Make sure you leave any tips and tricks for a fun adventure in the comments!
It's beautiful, don't you think? There's really something incredible about a massive waterfall, and Burgess Falls has that "it" factor. You can learn more about planning your own trip with a visit here or here. Happy hiking!
Continue to enjoy all the beauty of Tennessee with a visit to Rock City, just outside of Chattanooga.
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