Explore a beautiful state park along the banks of the perfectly named Falling Water River.
Located just east of Nashville, Tennessee, Burgess Falls State Park features a series of waterfalls and rapids on the Falling Water River, which is the perfect name for a river with a waterfall I have to say. Four waterfalls take the river down a series of steps into a steep gorge.
Burgess Falls was named after a Revolutionary War veteran, Tom Burgess, who settled in the area and used the river to operate a grist mill and eventually a sawmill. A dam was later built upstream to control flooding. The current dam dates from 1944 and supplies electricity to the area.
The first set of rapids.
I’ve been on “easy” trails that were more strenuous than this trail.
More lovely rapids.
This Carolina Wren was also enjoying the rushing water.
Even bigger set of rapids. I would call this a waterfall, but it doesn’t seem to have a name that I can find. I’m going to name it First Falls.
It was lovely trail.
Further down the trail are the ruins of a bridge across the Falling Water River. The bridge carried a pipe across the river.
Not much of the bridge remains. I wouldn’t try crossing that.
Little Falls lives under the bridge.
Middle Falls. Very nice.
For a longer walk, you can head to this waterfall, Burgess Falls.
For the only strenuous part of the hike, you can climb down the stairs to the top of the waterfall.
Before the big waterfall, there is this cool rapid. I’m so glad I have waterproof hiking shoes.
Top of Burgess Falls. I was on solid ground when I took this picture, I assure you.
Looking down the gorge.
Burgess Falls State Park is a small state park but was perfect for a short break on my cross-country drive. The park is conveniently located only 15 minutes from Interstate 40. Plus, it has waterfalls. Who doesn’t love waterfalls?
Check out my next update where I follow the C&O Canal in Maryland!
or
Check out more national parks and other public lands!
