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.

This is Burgess Falls, another state park located in Central Tennessee sitting 12 miles northwest…read moreof the town of Sparta, TN. There's a 3/4 of a mile out and back hike called the River Trail that leads to 4 different waterfall lookout points comprising Burgess Falls SP. Waterfall #1 - The Cascades. Sort of the introduction area to the park. Waterfall #2 - First Falls. A quick glance at a 30 foot high waterfall section. But nothing special, imo. When Continuing on the trail, you'll cross over a wooden bridge and follow up a staircase. Now at... Waterfall #3 - Middle Falls... Middle Falls is 80 feet high and partially obstructed by trees and branches having grown over time. *Side Note*.... I wish park services would do some forest cutting for everyone to enjoy clearer views of the park's waterfalls. Entrance right now is free. I'd suggest charging a small fee and using that money to pay for some grooming. A lot of the observation points can't be fully appreciated. Just me venting a little, lol. Waterfall #4 - Burgess Falls... Burgess falls is the centerpiece highlight of the park. Standing at 136 feet from top to bottom, Burgess Falls can absolutely be dramatic, but still natural excess forest maturation disrupts full visibility of the falls. I did read that kayaking at the bottom of Burgess Falls is the most interactive way to come face to face with this statuesque waterfall. You can rent kayaks at Cane Hollow Recreation Area, located at the end of Cane Hollow Road. It's about 10 minutes from Burgess Falls. You can end the River Trail hike at the Top of Burgess for a panoramic overlook of the rugged gorge the falls splash down into from high above. It's another quick stop and go area before returning back towards the trailhead. Overall, Burgess Falls was a muted experience for me, but still has potential to be a rewarding visit if park authorities can maintain the inevitable growing forest hindrances that negate special moments at the waterfall overlooks.

Great experience! My family took me for Father's Day and it…read morewas perfect. The staff, the shuttles, and gear were A+. I wouldn't change a thing. Thank y'all for the awesome memories and we'll definitely be back soon!

This was a great time. We live outdoor activities so the nature was great. Let me explain why the 3…read morestars then... They are not really on time with their check in and dropping off schedules. We were told we needed to be there 30 minutes before our 11am departure. We got on the bus after 11:15 and it's a 20 minutes drive to the drop off area. Jennifer was great. It was her first day and she was killing it like a pro. They get us to sign the release forms if you didn't do it online then you go inside to get your wristbands and make you payment if needed. They offer boat and other water toys for rent. Once we were inside, McKenzie was nice and helpful. She took our payment and gave us our wrist bands. After that we wait till the groups are ready and things where they need to improve. People that are ready and came on time should not have to wait and lose time on the river. Specially when they are VERY on time to pick you up at 5pm sharp. ... They need improvement, they know it... they are trying. They have an app you can download but good luck with service IMPORTANT warning information given in the "training": It's illegal to operate a canoe while drinking alcoholic drinks. They will give you a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) so be safe and always bring a designated captain or a pirate or both! Whatever floats your boat So, overall it's not a bad spot but definitely come as they open so you don't feel rushed or shorted out of time. Stay safe!

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.

Over the top AMAZING WE'RE NOW MEMBER'S!!! Highly recommend even though I don't like sharing this…read morekind of stuff lol clean and just beautiful

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.

All the people who work there are very sweet people. Helpful for beginners and patient with kiddos…read more :)

We were in town from Jacksonville, Florida visiting family and wanted to explore so we booked our…read morekayaks the day before to ensure we wouldn't miss out on time slots. The family owned operation was extremely helpful and kind. I would definitely recommend this business to anyone and everyone. We look forward to returning soon to do it again. The views were amazing and the water was perfect for a nice swim in the middle. We also stumbled upon some cows about half way through as well. Super awesome! After we were done with our kayak trip we went next door to have lunch and the food was also amazing and no complaints. Thanks guys!!

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

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!

Being from Long Island New York I can tell you there's no place up here as good as this place but…read morethat may not be saying much. In town for a week and went to shoot here. 10$ for the whole day. Woman at check in counter was polite. Since it's 10$ a day we took a lot of ammo with us and spent close to 5 hours there. Not just shooting but meeting and talking to some interesting people. Some who have never been outside of rural Tennessee so meeting an outsider from New York who shoots was something different for them. As far as the range there's rifle with points at 50,100 and 200 yards. 2 large pistol ranges, a shotgun pit, a shoot house, trap and I think archery as well. The place is large. So large that you'll drive from the office to the pistol range. I enjoyed it so much there I went a second time. So if you in middle Tennessee and looking for a place to shoot this is your place.

Awesome professional staff, nice wide open range what else could you ask for 10/10 anytime here.read more

I was invited to attend a Sea Cadet event that was being held at Latimer. I'm not a scout so I…read morewasn't sure what to expect. I arrived and checked in at the main facility. It's a really pretty building. I was directed to my cabin which was a 10 room cabin with each room having two beds. Each two room combo shared a bathroom. The cabin was very nice. Rustic but nice. They had Wi-Fi throughout the facility which was great because cell service was scarce. The dining hall was large and beautiful. A fire inside would have been nice given the weather but none was built. The food was decent. Nothing special but is was the best option around. All in all, Latimer scour reservation was really nice and I hope I get the opportunity to go back sometime.