PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. — Summertime has come to Tennessee, bringing oppressively hot temperatures. People across the state are searching for ways to cool off, and one spot in Middle Tennessee gives people a chance to have fun and enjoy nature, all while beating the heat.
Burgess Falls is located in Putnam County and White County and was designated a Tennessee State Natural Area in 1973, protecting its forest and aquatic habitats. It spans 275 acres, and most visitors stop by the falls around 18 miles south of Cookeville.
The base of the falls can only be accessed via a kayaking or boating trip.
WBIR picked up its kayaking gear from Knoxville Adventure Collective before hitting the falls. Visitors should make sure they have paddles, lifejackets, a dry bag and the kayak itself before heading to the falls. It's also important to remember sunscreen, snacks and plenty of drinkable water.
Visitors can unload their gear at the Cane Hollow Recreation Area and hop into their kayaks to start the journey.
Several guides also offer tours through the area, giving history lessons and talking about how the river area is used to benefit the nearby community. During WBIR's visit, Tara Hunt said the Falling Water River is used to help regulate water levels for lakes further upstream, helping prevent floods and keeping water levels from falling too low.
She also recommended people wear closed-toed shoes while visiting the area because flooding can carry leftover metals and debris to the riverbed.
The kayaking journey from Cane Hollow Recreation Area and up the river lasts around 2 hours. People can expect to see wildlife, plenty of greenery and the beautiful Burgess Falls. It takes around 2 hours to drive to the Cane Hollow River Area from Knoxville, mostly along I-40.