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About the Park

Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area

Located on the Falling Water River, this day-use park is noted for its natural beauty and four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. The area was originally populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These tribes used the land as a hunting ground until the late 19th century when a gristmill and sawmill began operating on the river. The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Cookeville from 1928-1944. In 1973, the territory became a designated Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats.

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Window Cliffs State Natural Area

Window Cliffs is a day-use 275-acre state natural area that opened for public access in April 2017 that is managed by Burgess Falls State Park.

While it is managed by Burgess Falls State Park, the entrance to Window Cliffs is located eight miles away from the entrance to Burgess Falls. It is important for visitors to note that these are two separate locations that are not connected by any trails. You can find directions for Burgess Falls and Window Cliffs at the bottom of this page.

This day-use area is located in southern Putnam County approximately 18 miles south of Cookeville. Window Cliffs is a prominent geological clifftop feature that consists of a very narrow, elongated ridge that lies in the neck of an incised meander of Cane Creek. The trail is subject to closure due to flooding. Please check for active alerts at the top of this page before visiting Window Cliffs State Natural Area. Click the button below for additional information on Window Cliffs.

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