Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area
Site Directions: From Cookeville: Take Hwy 111 South and follow signs to Burgess Falls State Park.
Lat-Long: 36.0440, -85.59453
Hours: 8:00am Central to 30 min before sunset
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none
Site Description: Burgess Falls State Natural Area, lies on the eastern edge of Tennessee's Highland Rim adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau and is noted for its natural beauty. Sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest, characterize this area. The Falling Water River drops approximately 250 feet, providing numerous waterfalls, breathtaking scenery and overlooks. The park is home to over 300 species trees and plants and an abundance of wildlife. Park visitors can visit the large Native Butterfly Garden located adjacent to the upper parking lot. Additionally, there are excellent marked trails to see the falls.
Wildlife to Watch: Woodland birding is generally good along the trails and around the falls. Forest species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, and Ovenbird are common breeding birds. Year round residents like Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Carolina Chickadee are common. Wild Turkey and White-tailed Deer may be seen. Wildflowers are abundant in spring.
For more information:
Birds of Burgress Falls via eBird submissions
State Park web page
State Natural Area web page
Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail
Submit your data to eBird and help us add to the list of birds seen at this site
Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.
