It’s that time of year again, at least for me, to start scheduling a waterfall trip for the summer. My kids and I completed this waterfall during Spring Break this year and had a great time. This is a great two day trip or you can stretch it to three days if you want to spend a little more time at each destination.
This is an fun day trip with trails that are easy and many scenic waterfalls for you to enjoy. My toddler was able to complete each trail and only required assistance on one trail on a steeper staircase.
Burgess Falls State Park
Falling Water Cascades
Burgess Falls State Park is home to Falling Water Cascades and three other (Little/Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Burgess Falls) waterfalls on the same trail. Falling Water Cascades is the first you will come to on the trail. It is only a couple of feet from the parking lot.
From the parking lot, just follow the stairs and your ears straight down to the 20 foot Falling Water Cascades. While this waterfall alone is pretty, it probably wouldn’t be worth a trip just to see it. However, this is just the first of four on this trail and each one along the trail is more impressive than the previous.
Little/Upper Falls
Little/Upper Falls is the second waterfall on the trail leading to Burgess Falls. It is 30 feet and very pretty.
After viewing Falling Water Cascades continue down the trail. There are a few roots protruding from the trail so watch your step. The overlook for Upper Falls is right before you get to the large wooden bridge. However, I think the view just after you cross the bridge is better (at least in the Spring, when I visited).
The remains of a pipeline bridge that used to cross the river into a tunnel on the north wall of the gorge is visible above Upper Falls. The bridge used to cross by Upper Falls and again near Middle Falls to a powerhouse.
Middle Falls
Middle Falls, at 80 feet in height, is Little/Upper Fall‘s big brother. A short distance after you pass Little/Upper Falls you’ll come to a steep staircase. Some of the steps were a little tall for my toddler to easily navigate, but with help he was able to manage them. There is a bench at the top of the stairs before you continue on to Middle Falls.
There was originally an overlook for Middle Falls, however it was washed out due to some recent flooding (we visited in March 2019). The view just before you get to the overlook is still very impressive.
Burgess Falls
After viewing Middle Falls, be sure to continue down the trail to the 136 foot Burgess Falls, the main attraction. There will be a sign by Middle Falls, pointing the direction to Burgess Falls. Continue to follow the trail to the Burgess Falls overlook.
The staircase to take you down to the base of the falls was closed during our visit. According to the park website, the staircase will remain closed until further notice. This was the portion of the trail that is strenuous.
To return to your car you may either go back the way you came or you may return using a access road that is an easy, level path that runs above the trail you took to get to Burgess Falls. It is a much easier path as you don’t have to climb down the steep staircase.
City Lake Falls
City Lake Falls is located inside the City Lake Natural Area in Cookeville. This park and the trail to the waterfall is family friendly. The hike to City Lake Falls is an easy 0.6 mile round trip. About half of the trail is paved and then turns to gravel. The trail dead ends into City Lake Falls.
The parking area is located next to a beautiful lake. You’ll see the trail that leads you to the waterfall toward the back of the parking area. While you’re there you may want to enjoy the lake, which is quite peaceful, or go fishing for catfish or bass.
Waterloo Falls
Waterloo Falls is a 35 foot waterfall located about 15 minutes north of Cookeville. One really great thing about Waterloo Falls is it is a twofer. You can access two waterfalls from the same parking area.
Waterloo Falls is a popular event destination, so you might want to look on the website below to check and see if the waterfall is open to the public.
Waterloo Falls is on private property, so if you want to go to visit Waterloo Falls you’ll need to purchase a pass. Cost is $6 per individual or you can get a carpool pass for $24 which covers 4 or more. You can purchase passes at https://waterloovenueandevents.com/river-access/. Parking is only in designated areas. Parking on the shoulder of the road is prohibited.
Upper Waterloo Falls
After you view Waterloo Falls be sure to check out Upper Waterloo Falls, also located on the same property.
At only 5 feet in height, it isn’t the most impressive waterfall, but it is quite pretty and peaceful. It is, however, really wide. There are also “angel wing” shells at the end of the path leading to the waterfall which my kids enjoyed finding.
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