Burgess Falls State Park Nature Area
Impressions:
On the Cumberland Plateau, east of the Blue Ridge, streams, creeks, & rivers have carved out many beautiful gorge & canyon landscapes. Along the Plateau's waterways, under-layers of rock less stoic than hard sandstone layers have given way to erosion forming the canyon environs, in addition to blazing watercourses lavish with stepped cascades and breath-taking waterfalls. Burgess Falls State Park Nature Area is situated on the scenic Falling Waters River south of Cookville, where the river's course rapidly descends 250 ft through a 20 ft cascade and three waterfalls, the largest fall being 136 ft in height. The River Trail follows the Falling Waters River, opening up to overlooks of the three falls before steeply descending down to the base of the Big Falls along craggy rocks and a caged metal staircase. Dependent on the water levels and the rage of the river, the way to the bottom of the Big Falls may be too dangerous to descend toward. Taking the service road back to the parking area after ascending back up from base of the falls to the main overlook makes for a loop hike of approximately 1.5 miles total, most of it reasonable but the climb down to and back up from the base of the Big Falls is steep. Burgess Falls State Park's other trail, the short half-mile Ridge Trail is accessible from the Service Road & can be incorporated into the walk to the waterfalls. Further Information on Burgess Falls is linked below. Further Online Resources: Burgess Falls State Park Burgess Falls State Park Map Waters & Geology of Tennessee |
Driving Directions:From ETSU & Johnson City, Tn, Burgess Falls State Park Nature Area is located approximately 216 miles away. Driving directions to Burgess Falls State Park using Google Maps is linked here.
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