Updated July 2026
Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls is the 136-foot main cascade on the Falling Water River, the largest of four waterfalls passed along the River Trail. The moderately strenuous out-and-back trail follows the river gorge past upper and middle falls to a high overlook of the big drop.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Tennessee State Parks (Burgess Falls State Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Graded lakes within 25 miles
- BCaney Fork River Lake · DeKalb County · 13.3 mi
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Frequently Asked Questions
Burgess Falls drops about 136 feet. That makes it the 131st-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 81% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Burgess Falls Trail (River Trail) reaches it about 1.3 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 183 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Sparta. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Tennessee State Parks (Burgess Falls State Park) for closures and current conditions.
Spring; year-round. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Tennessee waterfalls
- Abrams Falls · 20 ft
- Bald River Falls · 90 ft
- Benton Falls · 65 ft
- Big Falls (Old Stone Fort) · 30 ft
- Cane Creek Falls · 85 ft
- Coker Creek Falls · 40 ft
- Conasauga Falls · 35 ft
- Cummins Falls · 75 ft
Sources
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