Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park is a 350-acre park located in both Putnam County and White County, Tennessee. It is a spectacular natural area that accompanies the last section of the Falling Water River before it reaches the Center Hill Lake. On this final trip, the river drops from around 900 feet to 600 feet through a series of waterfalls, culminating with a 136-foot cataract waterfall named Burgess Falls. The area shelters a wealth of wildlife and 300 species of trees.

History

Before the Europeans settled in the area, Creek, Cherokee and Chickasaw tribes used these places as a hunting ground. In 1793, as payment for services in the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Government granted the land to Thomas Burgess, whose family would later build a grist mill, then a saw mill on this section of the Falling Water River. These provided corn meal and lumber to the early settlers of the region.

In the early 1920's, the City of Cookeville secured the land and built here an earthen dam in order to produce electricity for the city. The dam was destroyed by a flood in 1928 and replaced with a concrete one, used until 1944 and the arrival of the U.S. Government-owned Tennessee Valley Authority. The area became the Burgess Falls State Park in 1973, and today visitors can enjoy it in its most beautiful natural state.

Activities

For those who love hiking and want to contemplate the scenic beauty of the area, a 1.5-mile round trail takes them on a moderately demanding hike along the river and four of its waterfalls. This is only a foot trail, and it offers the hiker the opportunity to see the main canyon of the Falling Water River. Year-round fishing is popular along the lake, below the dam and below the main falls. Fishing boats are allowable only in the lake above the dam, while none can operate below it. Visitors can also visit the Native Butterfly Garden and learn about its delicate residents.

With breathtaking views, dramatic waterfalls and a rich forest, the Burgess Falls State Park is part of what some call “the Tennessee Heaven." No nature lover should pass up an opportunity to visit, and no one walks away disappointed.