Burgess Falls State Park is home to Upper Falls and three other waterfalls on the same trail. Upper Falls is the second you will come to on the trail.
From the parking lot, just follow the stairs and your ears straight down to the 20 foot Falling Water Cascades. 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.
While this waterfall alone is pretty, it probably wouldn’t be worth a trip just to see it. However, this is just the one of four on this trail and each one along the trail is more impressive than the previous.
Make sure you continue up the trail to see Middle Falls and Burgess Falls.
Burgess Falls State Park has maintained restrooms and a playground if you have little ones. It is a great place to stop if you are traveling on I-40 and want to stretch your legs. Although most people recommend Fall Creek Falls State Park, I enjoyed Burgess much better. Perhaps you can try both and let me know which you prefer.
Hi. I made it as far as this one while attempting Burgess Falls. Those stairs leading to the next waterfall are steep! I doubled back to the beginning and was able to find the path you described leading to Burgess. I’m still glad I went to this waterfall as it wasn’t far from the beginning of the trail. It was worth going to and doubling back to go to Burgess. Thanks!