The River Trail/Service Road Loop is just a mile-and-a-half round-trip, and to reach the overlook only takes 15 minutes, so this is a good hike for those with kids in tow.

I often take for granted all the natural resources and lush, green foliage we have here. And don’t worry, if you’re going to a state park where swimming is allowed, you’ll still be plenty warm and ready to take a dip by 10am! Go to the other falls. One promise I made to myself earlier this year was that we’d spend more time outdoors, both for Ella’s well-being but also our own. Bring enough anchor material to have two independent anchor systems and allow about thirty feet of material from the edge to your anchor and you will be set to move to almost every climbing area in the park. Please note that swimming, wading, hunting, and camping are not permitted in the park. I hadn’t been since I was wee, so it was like discovering it for the first time all over again—only with my favorite two hiking companions in tow. An unloading zone is located next to the picnic area, with an accessible ramp. Please choose a different date. Don't forget your binoculars and bird guides! It’s the perfect option for first-time visitors who want to get the lay of the land in the Music City. Great Falls Park has fifteen miles of hiking trails, five of which are multi-use for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. Access the River Trail downstream from Overlook 3.

Great natural area to visit.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which includes hiking, biking, and boating routes throughout the Potomac watershed, runs through the park. We just went to Edgar Evins yesterday, and it was a first for both of us! LOVE.

The River Trail offers the best opportunities to view the Potomac River. There is nothing more fantastic or quintessentially southern than a dip in the swimming hole during the summer time. Upon entering Rock Island State Park from the east, the parking area for this trail is located right after the old cotton mill (my friend and I actually ended up getting lost because it is tucked away there quite nicely). Overview A friend and I were just discussing how we don’t think they make the cinnamon ones anymore (or at least neither of us have seen them), which is sad as those were our favorites! Due to significant flooding a couple years back, the staircase down to the main falls is currently inaccessible. Most of the routes are in the 5.5 to 5.9 range. Think of the opportunity. You can view Twin Falls from the parking lot, but a short walk takes you to a trail that. Boaters use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and helmet while they are on the river. Love Tennessee? Along the way you'll pass by Falling Water Cascades (20 ft), Little Falls ( 30 ft), Middle Falls (80 ft) and finally the main event, Burgess Falls (136 ft).

Swimming and wading are prohibited in the park.

Climbing of the seriousness of the trails condition however I've not heard from them.

Make sure you go to the bottom!!! The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors c... Overview You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Go to the River Info tab and search for the Potomac River. Swimming is not permitted at Burgess Falls State Natural Area. What a great initiative! The lake stretches 64 miles up the Caney Fork River, where visitors come to ... Overview

There is a bridge that runs across the damn, but I am not sure how often it is open to the public. Please explore responsibly!

The Potomac River has many challenging currents, standing waves, and hydraulics. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation at Great Falls Park.

trail that are very close to steep fall-offs/cliffs with no safety rails, etc. Whereas a beach trip, for example, might require months of preparation—and usually means we have to leave Ella at home—hitting the park is easy to do with just a water bottle, day bag, some trail snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, a fur friend if you have one, and a swimsuit and beach towel if you’re headed to the falls. The Great Falls allowed you to walk along the river as well in an area that sometimes gets flooded by the damn.

Our Tennessee state parks are also a) free, b) don’t require a lot of advance planning and c) allow dogs (as long as they’re on leashes). It also has a beautiful trail for gorgeous hiking. Gorgeous waterfall!

The twin falls were just incredible.

How to get there: Travel south on Va. 42 passing through Bridgewater.

McLean, VA The park has about ten miles of multi-use trails open for riding. But health and a need for fresh air aside, there are also plenty of parks I’ve yet to take SVV to, and he can’t call himself a true Tennessean without having experienced these iconic spots. These were all easy enough hikes with plenty of reward. Riding is not permitted on the Patowmack Canal Trail, Falls overlooks, and the River Trail. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s so pretty! Whaddya think?

Look at those waterfalls. We were able to hike up to Great Falls and it’s amazing up close.

The Virginia shoreline above the falls is closed to boating. This is an easy spot to get to, and is flanked by a series of four separate waterfalls. For more details, see their Day Tripper Packages  and/or call (615) 269-3740. It was excavated in 1818! A pool waits below for those who wish to cool off and enjoy a bit of a swim; especially after the one-mile hike it takes to reach the falls. When we left there were still lots of folks going down to the falls. You are not supposed to hike to the base, but it looks like people do anyway.

The best part of all? Oh, she has a constant smile plastered on her face anytime we’re outdoors! more, Recommended experiences in and around Tennessee.

Difficulty ranges from 5.0 up to the highest rated climbs at 5.14. I’ve been to a few of Tennessee’s State Parks but I’ve never even heard of Burgess Falls. All of that said, it is well worth the rocky trail.

The river gauge reading is reported in the weather section of the Washington Post under the title 'River Stages. I grew up on Nature Valley bars and they still hold a sweet spot in my heart! Most of the routes are in the 5.5 to 5.9 range.

Plus you can swim if you want. Take a look! Not only is getting out into parks good for you – and I agree state parks are awesome – but you get rewarded and possibly win a prize. Burgess Falls State Park Putnam County, Tennessee Absolutely gorgeous Falls year round. Please note we are seniors but we are well hiked. Complete a short woodland hike to the 90 foot Carmac Falls! I’ve still never been—how crazy is that? This trail is all about rocks, boulders and two waterfalls. Waiting until August when the schools are back in session and the crowds are fewer . In addition each campsite has a four sided... Catch the trailhead down to the falls at the parking lot. One Boardtree Falls is fairly nice but neither were worth the energy. For those who wish to do so without staying overnight, the venue offers “day-tripper” packages that are available by reservation-only, made a minimum of 24-hours in advance. Be sure to give yourselves several hours at the park to enjoy everything it offers. Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area is seeing high visitation and has limited capacity. We need to plan a dual trip with our respective pups and do Virginia AND Tennessee together =).