Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: Paddle 2 miles/hike 0.2 miles (depending on water levels)
Entry Cost: Free
Opens: 8AM Daily
Closes: 30 minutes before sunset

Burgess Falls is a very large powerful waterfall located in Sparta, TN Norht of Huntsville. This waterfall is accessible by boat at the bottom or a hike to the view from above.

If you need a kayak, you can rent one from Cumberland Kayak Adventure nearby. They are open seasonally.

Find hikes nearby:
Rock Island State Park
Fall Creek Falls

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More Waterfalls

Burgess Falls is about 2.5 hours North of Huntsville near Sparta, TN.

The parking lot for kayaking to the bottom of the falls does not pop up on Google when you search for “Burgess Falls”. Click here for directions.

Parking Lot

There is plenty of parking in the parking lot. If you don’t have a kayak to paddle, you can always rent one from Cumberland Kayak Adventure nearby! There is plenty of room to unload and park. This place is busy during the summer months. There are porta-potties in the parking lot.

The Paddle

The paddle is easy, but it is 2 miles. Most of the time the water is lake-like conditions without any noticeable current. As you get towards the end of the paddle you will be paddling against the current. 

Boat landing

Where you pull off depends on how high the water levels are. The higher the water levels, the farther up the river you can go. I’ve seen pictures where you can kayak all the way up to the falls. You will need to pull off on the right (looking upstream) and hike along that bank to get to the falls. The hiking is technical in some places and very flat and easy in others. 

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Burgess Falls

The waterfall is super powerful and creates a mist in the air. It is massive and a beautiful sight. You can swim at the bottom during the summer!

Yellow Creek Falls

We ran out of time, so we did not go to the overlook (photo credit: wiki). It looks like you can park here and take the trail “Burgess Falls Dr”. 

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Weathington Park

Weathington Park

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: No Hiking
Cost: Free

Weathington Park is a small beautiful park with a view of Lake Guntersville.

This is more of a quick stop on your way somewhere rather than a trip in itself.

Find nearby hikes:
Pisgah Gorge
Bucks Pocket

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Weathington Park is located about 45 minutes east of Huntsville.

Google Weathington Park or click here for directions.

 

The View

There isn’t a ton to this park, but it’s beautiful. There’s a bathroom and a few hiking trails to walk around on.

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Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 1.5 miles of trail total
Entry Cost: Free

Rock Island State Park is a state park located in Tennesse. It has a very unique man-made waterfall as a result of damming the river. There are 2 sides of the state park.

More Waterfalls

Rock Island State Park is located a little over 2 hours from Huntsville.

Click here for directions.

Twin Falls Parking

There is a very large parking lot that can fit dozens of cars. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot and there is an overlook down the road from the parking lot. 

Click Here for Parking Lot Location

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Summer Camping Essentials 
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Twin Falls

From the parking lot Twin Falls is very easy to find. The trailhead says it’s over a mile, but in reality, the waterfall is a few hundred feet from the parking lot. There is likely over a mile of trails if you wish to hike the entire trail, but there is no need. The waterfalls is incredibly unique with water gushing from the woods. You can make your way down onto the rocks for a closer view. Be careful, the dam can release water causing the water to rise quickly. There is no swimming at this waterfall.

Parking for Blue Hole

The parking lot for the blue hole is very large with plenty of parking spots. There are bathrooms located here as well as a picnic area. The trail is DIFFICULT. It is easy to find your way down but it is very rocky and you are constantly walking on wet rocks and through shallow water.

Click Here for Directions to Blue Hole

Blue Hole

The blue hole has water gushing from the woods. There are several waterfalls along the route. The water is shallow on the rocks. My children had a blast playing in it! There is plenty to explore here so take your time and go up and down the river.

Beach and Cabins

There are cabins for rent as well as a beach area where you can play on the river. We did not stop here, but thought it would be good to share!

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Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls

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Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Entry Cost: Free

Fall Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Find nearby hikes:
Rock Island State Park
Greeter Falls

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More Waterfalls

Fall Creek Falls is located a little over 2 hours Northeast of Huntsville.

Google Fall Creek Falls or click the map above!

Parking Lot / Trailhead / Pavilion

There are plenty of parking spots. The parking lot itself holds a few dozen cars. There is a pavilion available as well as picnic tables and a bathroom.

Overview/Handicap Accessible

The overview is arguably the best view available. It is accessible by wheelchair and is a short walk from the parking lot.

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Trail down to the Bottom

The trail down to the bottom is moderate. It is slick in some spots and steep in others. The trail is well maintained, but you will be walking down less than ideal slopes and will need to be careful with your footing. The hike back up is technically easier, but more difficult cardiovascularly!

Bottom of the Falls

The waterfall is over 200′ drop and is absolutely beautiful. There is plenty to see at the bottom. When you are done, hike back up the way you came down.

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Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Difficulty: Easy
Fee: Free

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge spanning down the Tennessee River from Huntsville to Decatur. There are multiple places to park and multiple hikes available.

Find nearby hikes:
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
Rock House Cave

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Triana Boat Ramp

Parking: Here

What’s here: Free boat ramp, short hikes, and fishing

Walkway

The path is super easy to follow. There are several different trails available here and plenty of pretty lakes.

Beaverdam Swamp

Parking: Here

What’s here: Guide

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