There are three falls along the trail by the river. Take that hike unless you are not interested…read morein a few sets of stairs and a lot of roots to step over. The extra falls are worth seeing. There is a shorter and flatter road in to the last fall if you are not up to the other hike. Amazing views! Definitely worth the trip!

Did a quick stop to visit this beautiful park. You have to hike a little to get to the different…read morefalls, but nothing too strenuous. It was a hot day which wasn't that fun, but once we got to the falls it was nice to take in the view and relax. We went midday in the middle of the week so it was not busy... I am guessing during the weekend it would get packed. Note that parking is limited, so either get there early or go when we went. Would I go back? Yes.

Wow. I've lived in Tennessee for almost five years, and I've been visiting for a few years before…read morethat. This is maybe the best hike I've done in the state (and definitely makes my list for best hikes anywhere as well). What you need to know: it's a little bit off the beaten path - off Hwy 70 (sort of between Sparta and Crossville). We stopped on our way back from Knoxville, but I would say it's doable from either Nashville or Knoxville and anywhere in between. The 2-mile road to get to the parking lot is rough (I was glad we were in a Subaru and not my Honda Fit). There is a porta potty at the trailhead but no bathrooms. Lots of people camp, and you do have to check in with the ranger in his little tiny hut if you're going to camp overnight. The hike. It's a 4.3-mile hike to Virgin Falls - so about 8.7 miles total out and back if you go all the way to Virgin Falls. You obviously don't have to do the whole hike - one of the great things about Virgin Falls Natural Area is that there are a few very beautiful falls before Virgin Falls; so even if you don't do the whole 8.7, you can still have a really beautiful hike. Big Branch Falls is the first falls on the trail; it's about 1.35 miles from the trailhead. So if you're looking for a shorter hike, you can can still see this falls and do less than 3 miles total. It's probably the least beautiful of the three main falls, but it is really pretty. Around 2.35 miles from the trailhead, you make it to Big Laurel Falls, which is really beautiful. There's a cave behind it and you can walk behind the falls and explore the cave as well. In spring, the area around here is also covered in wildflowers, so it's really beautiful. If you make it to Big Laurel Falls and turn around, you're looking at just under 5 miles total, and a pretty stunning hike. Another option. Around 3.8 miles, there is a junction where you can elect to hike to Sheep Cave and add not too much length to your overall hike. We did this and it was pretty. At 4.4 - you have reached the main Virgin Falls overlook. And let me tell you - Virgin Falls is BEAUTIFUL. It's probably the most stunning waterfall I've seen in the state. It's totally worth the hike if you're into hikes that end in gorgeous sites like this one. And then after enjoying Virgin Falls for as long as you want, you head back the same way you came. It is very important to note that this hike is ranked as strenuous. I agree with that. It was a hard hike. The trail descends about 900 feet in elevation (but it's the going back up that did me in!) and the path is often rocky and covered in tree roots and quite uneven. It took us about 4.5 hours, but it could take much longer than that depending on the pace you choose. We started around 9:00 a.m. and were done around 1:30 p.m. Ideally, I'd start even earlier than that if the weather is going to get warm at all, because you will be tired and hot! We took a lot of water with us and we finished all of it. Take a lot. All in all, this is a beautiful hike. Truly. It's one of my favorites ever. I took a ton of photos (I posted my favorites with this review). It's definitely worth doing. But it is long and hard, so be prepared. I heartily recommend it if you enjoy a hike or like to see out scenic views and waterfalls.

Went in April 2026 and had a blast! The kayaking guides,…read moreTara and Eddie, are amazing. Such a beautiful aura with thrse 2. Easy to talk with, engaging and informative. They made my first trip to Burgess Falls amazing. I love their pink theme and the story behind their mascot. The meeting area is easy to find by GPS and there's signs as you get close. Small parking area. After going over the rules, we get on their bus to get to the destination. Kayak training is provided and then you're off. They encouraged us to enjoy the experience and take our time. We never felt rushed. Free to explore at your own leisure. The kayaking part was easy and not taxing. Wildlife present to see. Once you get close to the falls you have to walk about 10 minutes to the falls. Very rocky area. Make sure you have good shoes. I wore water shoes and I'd recommendjust wearing sneakers or those good for trails that you don't mind getting wet because I felt everything in those water shoes. Lol. They had their own challenge of keeping the area clean by collecting trash rhat you can participate in if you wished. At the falls - you got to kayak around or stand in the water and/or under the falls and Tara will take pics of you that she'll later send for free. Amazing shots. Breathtaking falls. It was a blast and refreshing! Once you return back to the starting point they have their own portable potties that you can use and a shed to change your clothes in. Plus, personal care items are available for use. There is a small gift shop too. Everything about the experience was professional from start to finish! I highly recommend you take this tour!

Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee is the best company for an excursion! Eddie and Tara are…read moreincredible guides! They take care to provide a fun trip while also ensuring the safety of everyone around them. Eddie even helped people from other groups pointing out cool features of the waterfall and allowing people to safety concerns. KAT doesn't rush you to get through your trip like some of the other tours. They make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy at the waterfall. We were able to sit and eat our lunch and also play in the water for over an hour. This is the second time I've been out with them and I'd recommend them again and again.

Our friends used this public fishing pier to put their boat out into Center Hill Lake for a $5 fee…read more It was a beautiful day and enjoyed seeing a waterfall. The scenery was just beautiful. Passed many people in boats and kayaking.

This campground was great!! The amenities were the best I've ever seen. The showers were so CLEAN!…read more(And during COVID!). I loved the hiking trails (all natural! Not defined path so for highly active), swimming hole and fishing pond. Next time I'll have to bring the ATV's. Absolutely beautiful space. The primitive area was perfect. Full of trees and secluded from other sites.

For nearly $1,000 per month, one would reasonably expect a campground to be properly maintained,…read moreespecially when it comes to the safety of its guests and their property. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience at Spacious Skies Belle Ridge. Throughout the campground, there are numerous dead and deteriorating treetops that pose a serious safety hazard. These are not isolated incidents or unpredictable concerns. Dead treetops have repeatedly fallen, causing damage to campers, vehicles, and even a cabin. Despite these repeated incidents, campground management has refused to accept responsibility, instead dismissing the damage as an act of nature. However, when hazardous trees are visibly deteriorating and concerns have been repeatedly reported, it raises serious questions about preventative maintenance and accountability. Other guests and I have personally brought these concerns to the attention of both campground management and Blue Water, yet our warnings have seemingly been ignored. Rather than taking meaningful action to address these known hazards, management continues to disregard the potential consequences. My greatest concern is that the next falling treetop won't just damage property--it will seriously injure or kill someone. It should not take a tragedy for campground management or its corporate representatives to recognize the seriousness of this situation. Guests should be able to enjoy their stay without worrying about preventable hazards, especially when paying premium monthly rates. This review is not simply about property damage or financial responsibility. It is about the safety of every family, child, and guest who stays at this campground. I sincerely hope management takes these concerns seriously and addresses these hazards before someone gets hurt.

Tony and I love to go hiking at Fall Creek Falls State Park. They have so many trails and…read moreoverlooks. Just to the Left of the parking lot is a scenic drive loop and on this loop we came across this gorgeous overlook called Lover's Leap.

Perfect way to be one with nature. The trail is well kept…read morewith wood railings though out. It takes you along the water all the way to the overlook area. There are a few beautiful cascades along the way in case the hike gets too much. It's about half a mile in and half a mile out. The best way out is to exit the trail that's marked back to parking lot instead of going back down the way you came up. It surely will help make it easier on the people walking up. Pet friendly with a leash and kid friendly. Most importantly, there are clean restrooms before the start the trail. You're able to stop and rest as needed. 100 percent worth it!

Very awesome views Waterfalls are unbelievable! The trail is a nice walk, very clean park! A Must…read moreSee!!

Went to City Park today to check it out my sister and I it was a lovely day and we took a walk down…read morethe trail and lo and behold a beautiful stream with beautiful big rocks and all the green it was just beautiful wild Ferns and wild flowers Birds and the trees are gorgeous in themselves . You took several pictures that I have posted . There are some places back there where they have cut some trees down and left them laying I'm sure they will clean them up soon or hopefully this park could use a little love if I lived in Cookeville I wouldn't be down there doing things at the park without even being asked it needs to be loved people should appreciate having that nature area within the city limits . Thank you Cookeville for having it and not letting it go . And thank you God for making it possible