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.

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.

Window Cliffs State Natural Area's hours of operation have changed! Window Cliffs will now be open 8:00am till 6:00pm, M...
08/15/2026

Window Cliffs State Natural Area's hours of operation have changed!

Window Cliffs will now be open 8:00am till 6:00pm, Monday thru Sunday.

While the park is open till 6:00pm, the entrance gate will close at 4:00pm. If you wish to hike the trail, arrive to the park before 4:00pm gate closure.

Window Cliffs State Natural Area is also subject to flash floods. Park Staff will close the park in the event the water levels are unsafe. Be sure to check our page and website for updates about the parks open hours.

Burgess Falls State Park hours of operation have changed! The park will now be open 8:00am till 6:00pm, Monday thru Sund...
08/15/2026

Burgess Falls State Park hours of operation have changed!

The park will now be open 8:00am till 6:00pm, Monday thru Sunday.

Join us for a Volunteer Day at Burgess Falls State Park! 🌿💚There's still time to sign up—we have spots available and wou...
08/09/2026

Join us for a Volunteer Day at Burgess Falls State Park! 🌿💚

There's still time to sign up—we have spots available and would love to have you join us! Whether you're a first-time volunteer or a seasoned trail steward, this is a great opportunity to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and help keep one of Tennessee's state parks looking its best.

We will be removing small saplings and invasive plants along the River Trail in between Middle Falls and Burgess Falls! Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water.

Register here: https://tnstateparks.com/events/habitat-restoration-volunteer-day

🥾 Join SIR Taylor for a hike at Window Cliffs on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM!Get ready for a 5.4-mile adventur...
08/02/2026

🥾 Join SIR Taylor for a hike at Window Cliffs on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:00 AM!

Get ready for a 5.4-mile adventure featuring 18 creek crossings and significant elevation changes. Your feet will get wet, so plan accordingly! Since this is a timed event, there won't be time to stop and change shoes at each crossing, so be sure to wear toe-covered shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Don't forget to bring at least 64 oz. of water and a few snacks to stay fueled along the trail. We hope to see you there for a great day outdoors! 🌿

You can register for this event here: https://tnstateparks.com/events/window-cliffs-hike-2

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

Website

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