Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park Plan a trip to visit Burgess Falls State Park and Window Cliffs State Natural Area. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes 30 minutes before sunset.

This park contains 4 breathtaking waterfalls as well as fishing and picnic areas. Also included is a round trip, moderately strenuous hike of about a mile and a half, and a butterfly garden very close by. Please be aware of seasonal hours (as stated below):
- November 1st to the second Saturday in March: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Second Saturday in March - April 30th: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- May 1st - Augus

t 16th: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- August 16th - October 31st: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

Join park staff on Saturday, September 12th from 9am - 12pm for a day of habitat management at Window Cliffs State Natur...
09/05/2026

Join park staff on Saturday, September 12th from 9am - 12pm for a day of habitat management at Window Cliffs State Natural Area!

We have discovered a healthy population of shortleaf pine on the backside of our burn unit and have been working to clear out the understory in this area, so we can eventually put a prescribed burn on it.

There will be a short 0.5 mile hike to the area that we will be working in. The area we will be working in is on a very steep slope, so be prepared. Please wear/bring closed-toe shoes, water, and snacks. All tools and PPE required will be provided by park staff.

Register for this event here: https://tnstateparksvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1304107

🍦 Come Visit Us at Burgess Falls State Park! 🌿Join us this holiday Sunday and Monday, September 6th & 7th, from 12 PM–2 ...
09/05/2026

🍦 Come Visit Us at Burgess Falls State Park! 🌿

Join us this holiday Sunday and Monday, September 6th & 7th, from 12 PM–2 PM for some FREE ice cream making, while supplies last! 🍨

Bring the family, enjoy the beautiful park, and make your own delicious ice cream with us!

Hello, everyone! We’re excited to share an upcoming improvement. Starting September 8, our current playground will be re...
09/01/2026

Hello, everyone! We’re excited to share an upcoming improvement. Starting September 8, our current playground will be removed and replaced with a new, accessible play area designed for visitors of all ages and abilities. This upgrade marks another step toward making our park more inclusive, welcoming, and fun for families.
During construction, the playground area will be closed for safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we are making improvements to your state park. We anticipate the project to be completed by September 30 and are eager to show you the new space once it’s ready.
In the meantime, Burgess Falls State Park remains open for you to enjoy our trails, overlooks, picnic spots, and stunning natural scenery. Thank you for supporting our efforts to make Burgess Falls State Park a place where everyone can learn, play, and explore. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you when the new playground opens!

Come explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors with us at this weekend at Burgess Falls state park!Join us for our upcoming...
09/01/2026

Come explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors with us at this weekend at Burgess Falls state park!

Join us for our upcoming programs and discover the natural beauty, wildlife, history, and stories that make our park special. Bring your family and friends, spend some time outside, and make memories along the way.

Check out our upcoming programs and plan your visit. We look forward to seeing you at the park!

Register for these events here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls

Today's Nature Nugget: Bats 🦇Bats may be rarely seen during the day, but they play an important role in the health of Te...
08/29/2026

Today's Nature Nugget: Bats 🦇

Bats may be rarely seen during the day, but they play an important role in the health of Tennessee's ecosystems.

As natural insect predators, bats consume large numbers of insects, including moths, beetles, flies, and other flying insects. This helps keep insect populations in balance and supports healthy forest and aquatic ecosystems.

Bats also depend on healthy forests, waterways, caves, rock crevices, and other natural habitats for food and shelter.

Although they often go unnoticed, bats are an important part of the natural community at Burgess Falls State Park. The next time you're exploring the park, remember that protecting their habitat helps protect the many species that depend on a healthy ecosystem. 🦇

Come out and join us for our first BioBlitz at Window Cliffs State Natural Area! Botanist Eli Harris will be there to he...
08/26/2026

Come out and join us for our first BioBlitz at Window Cliffs State Natural Area!

Botanist Eli Harris will be there to help us explore our grassland area and new Fireline trail using iNaturalist. We will observe and document plants, animals, fungi, insects, and more while learning how our observations can contribute valuable data to the park.

The grassland will be sunny with plants 3–5 feet high, while the Fireline trail will mostly be shaded beneath an oak-hickory forest. Please come prepared for outdoor conditions, including the possibility of stinging insects, snakes, ticks, poison ivy, and thorny plants.

Closed-toed boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat are highly recommended. Bug spray, permethrin, and sunscreen are encouraged. Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks or lunch, and a fully charged phone. If you have a portable power bank, please bring it as well.

Please download iNaturalist before arriving. You may also consider downloading Seek, Merlin, or eBird.

Come ready to explore, learn, and contribute to our understanding of the species found in the park.

Register for this event here: https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/register/bioblitz-

Join SIR Taylor on Sunday, August 30th 2026, at 9 am for a hike at Window Cliffs! This hike will end around 1 pm. The to...
08/24/2026

Join SIR Taylor on Sunday, August 30th 2026, at 9 am for a hike at Window Cliffs! This hike will end around 1 pm. The total mileage is 5.4 miles, but there will be 18 creek crossings and significant elevation change. Your feet will get wet, so be prepared! Since it is a timed event, there will not be enough time to stop at each crossing to change shoes. Please wear toe-covered shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Please bring at least 64 oz of water and snacks.

*This program will be canceled in the case of inclement weather and you will be contacted.

Register for this event here: https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/register/window-cliffs-hike-august-30th

Join us for our first Bioblitz! Come explore Window Cliffs State Natural Area with us on Saturday, September 19th, from ...
08/19/2026

Join us for our first Bioblitz!

Come explore Window Cliffs State Natural Area with us on Saturday, September 19th, from 9 AM–12 PM as we discover and document the amazing plants, animals, fungi, insects, birds, and more that call the park home!

🔎 Botanist Eli Harris will introduce participants to iNaturalist, while Holly Taylor will be available to help with birding and birding apps. We’ll explore our grassland areas and new fireline trail while contributing valuable observations and data to the park.

📱 Please download iNaturalist before arriving. You may also want to download Seek, Merlin, and eBird.

🥾 Come prepared! We recommend closed-toed boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bug spray, permethrin, and sunscreen are encouraged. Please bring a full phone battery, portable power bank if you have one, refillable water bottle, and snacks/lunch.

⚠️ The areas we’ll explore may contain stinging insects, snakes, ticks, poison ivy, and thorny plants, so please dress appropriately.

🌱 Come learn, explore, and help us document the incredible biodiversity of Window Cliffs!

You can register for this event here: https://tnstateparks.com/events/bioblitz-window-cliffs
We hope to see you there! 💚

08/18/2026

SIR Taylor is here to tell you more about our new Fireline Trail at Window Cliffs State Natural Area! This 0.7 mile trail is great for beginner hikers, families, school groups, and our wildlife lovers!

Additionally, we have some Fireline Trail programs coming up! We have a birding program, tree identification, and our first ever BioBlitz! To learn more about these events please visit this link: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls

We hope to see you on the trail!

The popular possum hat is back! Swing by the gift shop to snag one.
08/17/2026

The popular possum hat is back! Swing by the gift shop to snag one.

Address

4000 Burgess Falls Drive
Sparta, TN
38583

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18888672757

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