This is Burgess Falls, a towering 130-foot Tennessee icon that’s among the most scenic waterfalls in the southeast and a brilliant showcase of Cumberland Plateau geology.

Best known for its unique shape, Burgess’ jutting, pointed rockface formed thanks to highly resistant cherty limestone of the Mississippian Period Fort Payne Formation. As the Falling Water River churned for thousands of years, lesser resistant limestone was eroded and dissolved around this formation, giving the waterfall its signature shape alongside the surrounding gorge.

Amazingly, this is just one of three waterfalls that make up Burgess Falls through which the Falling Water River drops 250 feet in total. The final, or Lower Falls, is the most spectacular as thundering waters cascade more than 130 feet into the ancient gorge below.

The main trailhead at Burgess Falls State Park provides a brilliant overlook at the top of Lower Falls. But the enclosed staircase that once led to the base was destroyed through multiple 21st century flood events.

Today, visitors can access the base of the Lower Falls by paddling or boating from Cane Hollow Recreation Area. After a beautiful 1.5 mile journey, Burgess emerges from around a prominent bend before the incredible force of this 130-foot waterfall shoots ethereal mist amongst craggy, prehistoric boulders.

For more information on how to preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty, including TennGreen’s 25-acre expansion of Burgess Falls’ protected area*, visit TennGreen.org.

*History: TennGreen Land Conservancy purchased 25 acres from landowner Donald Massa adjacent to Burgess Falls in August of 2012 in order to conserve the viewshed of the falls and river. This land was monitored, then conveyed to the State of TN to incorporate into Burgess Falls State Park in September 2014.