Burgess Falls State Park, TN
Cumberland Plateau cascades — four waterfalls on the Falling Water River
🚗 3–3½ hours from Johnson City · ~150 miles · Johnson City via I-81 S, I-40 W toward Cookeville / Sparta
Best season: Spring flow; icy mist in winter
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Burgess Falls State Park, TN. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Burgess Falls delivers four named cascades in under two miles — the final falls drops into a misty gorge that feels much wilder than the paved approach suggests.
The main trail follows the river; a seasonal service road shortcut reduces distance when open.
Highlights
- Four waterfalls — culminating 136-foot Burgess Falls
- River trail through hemlock forest
- Overlook platform at big falls (fenced)
- Cummins Falls nearby (separate reservation park)
Sample one-day itinerary
Leave by 6:30am; park fills summer weekends.
Out-and-back 1.5 miles; mist at big falls — protect camera.
Town dining before I-40 east return.
Know before you go
- No swimming at Burgess Falls — dangerous currents.
- Cummins Falls requires separate timed permit.
- Compare Fall Creek Falls if choosing one Plateau park.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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