Day After Thanksgiving Hike At Burgess Falls, Other State Parks

Those looking to burn some Thanksgiving dinner calories can take part in a guided hike to Burgess Falls Friday.

Park Manager Nathaniel Garrison said in the past five years, the Day After Thanksgiving Hike has become one of the signature hikes for all Tennessee State Parks. Garrison said that as things become more and more expensive, this hike provides people the opportunity to heighten their sense of well-being, free of charge.

“We’re all about getting folks outside and enjoying the natural resources around them,” Garrison said.  “Definitely getting out and promoting a healthier person is what we definitely want to support.”

Garrison said the mile-and-a-half hike is the perfect way for families to enjoy the Upper Cumberland’s scenic landscape and witness one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. The hike will begin at 9am at the main trailhead and span an hour and a half.

“If you’re looking for a pretty short hike, not too far off the beaten path with a lot of scenic beauty, Burgess Falls is your pick,” Garrison said.

Garrison said Tennessee State Parks are unique in that they do not charge admission. Burgess Falls will, however, be accepting donations at the event to fund projects around the park. Garrison said the donations will also fund land acquisition and scholarship money for underprivileged youth to attend the park’s Junior Ranger Camp.

“We’re always trying to make this a better resource to our community and well, our community is the entire world,” Garrison said. “Not only if  you’re from a neighboring county or a neighboring state, wherever you’re from.”

Tennessee State Parks began hosting annual Day After Thanksgiving Hikes after partnering with REI. Garrison said REI began closing its stores on Black Friday in hopes of getting people outside each fall as part of their “Opt Outside” campaign.

Garrison said Burgess Falls State Park is one of the most accessible parks in the United States. The park sits within a 90-minute drive from Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, Garrison said.