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Burgess Falls State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,682 Google reviews · Running trail in Sparta, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Burgess Falls State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Foot trails from moderate to strenuous difficulty lead to 4 waterfalls cascading into a large pool.
What runners say about Burgess Falls State Park
“REALLY clean nice park imagine in the summer it's packed.”
“The view was beautiful, the nature was peaceful, and the sound of the water was so relaxing.”
“I feel it was an easy trail and 100 percent worth it.”
My favorite hike and waterfalls in this area. Absolutely stunning. Trail is well kept with wood railings though out. The trails takes you along the water all the way to the falls overlook. It has lot of beautiful cascades along the way. Half mile in and half mile out. 2 sets of steps to walk up with wooden rails.
There was construction going. You can see 3 waterfalls here. Upper,middle and Burgess. There is a path that loops around to all of them or you can see them separately on a safer path. You can see upper falls first, no hike. You can them take the gravel road to the other 2.
Great park and definitely worth the hike! We took the River Trail so we could see all of the falls, and while it’s considered the harder route, most average hikers shouldn’t have much trouble with it.
Fairly simple yet natural hike to see all three falls. They are beautiful. You can get into the river near the parking lot/Pavillion use area. There is a gravel road to the lookout for Burgess Falls. RV park right next to the falls and hiking trail.
Trail conditions & character
“We also hiked down from the final overlook to the top of the largest falls and spent quite a while enjoying the view and relaxing by the water.”
“I suggest when you leave the overlook that you exit the trail that’s marked back to parking lot instead of going back down the way you came up.”
“You can take the easy way and stay on the gravel road but it's much more scenic to walk the path along the river.”
“Make sure to bring a backpack with a light lunch, water, and proper shoes as the hike to the top is somewhat strenuous.”
Plan your run at Burgess Falls State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetnstateparks.com
- Phone(888) 867-2757
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
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