About Burgess Falls
Burgess Falls is a named waterfall in Putnam County, Tennessee, located about 8.0 miles south of Baxter. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Burgess Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°02′38″ N, 85°35′54″ W (36.04395, -85.59831). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Burgess Falls Lake (reservoir, 0.7 mi), Cane Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), and Tibbs Hollow (valley, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rogers Falls, 11 miles to the south.
Prominent cascade waterfall spilling 136 ft. into a large limestone gorge enclosed by sheer walls.
USGS gazetteer description: The falls have a vertical drop of 136 feet.
More Photos
1,482 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Burgess Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Burgess Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Burgess Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Burgess Falls holds a 4.8 average from 434 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Burgess Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Burgess Falls Lake — reservoir, 0.7 mi
- Cane Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Tibbs Hollow — valley, 1.3 mi
- Phelps Branch — stream, 1.3 mi
- Cane Hollow — valley, 1.4 mi
- Town Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.04395, -85.59831. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Burgess Falls
- Pilot Falls, TN24 mi southeast
- Hemlock Falls, TN25 mi southeast
- Rainbow Falls, TN27 mi southwest
- Piney Creek Falls, TN28 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Burgess Falls located?
Burgess Falls is in Putnam County, Tennessee, about 8.0 miles south of Baxter. Its coordinates are 36.04395, -85.59831 (36°02′38″ N, 85°35′54″ W).
What town is closest to Burgess Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Baxter, TN, about 8.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Burgess Falls?
The closest is Rogers Falls (11 mi south). Others within reach include Cul-car-mac Falls (12 mi), Cummins Falls (14 mi), and Dry Creek Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Burgess Falls?
Burgess Falls appears on the USGS Burgess Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.