As Burgess Falls State Park embarks on the construction of a new visitor center and additional amenities, visitors will need to temporarily adjust their parking plans. Park officials have announced that the upper parking lot will be closed for the duration of construction, with the lower parking lot remaining open. However, it should be noted that the lower lot is not suitable for trailers, RVs, or buses due to size restrictions.
For those planning to bring larger vehicles, alternative parking options are available albeit not for free. Whispering Falls RV Park is charging a fee—$20 on weekends and $10 on weekdays. Meanwhile, at Chestnut Oak Farm Store and Kitchen, parking goes for $10, a cost that they will deduct from a food order upon showing proof of payment. This approach may encourage visitors to grab a bite to eat while supporting local businesses.
According to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation's recent announcement, the expansion will not only provide a brand-new visitors center but will also expand parking capacity significantly—from 87 to 159 spaces, including an increase in accessible parking spots from four to seven. Park manager Nathaniel Garrison expressed the park's commitment to keeping visitors fully informed. "We want to keep our visitors fully informed while the project is underway," Garrison said. "It’s necessary to close the upper lot for construction, but the park will have even more parking than before when the work is done."
Visitors are encouraged to plan visits during off-peak times, such as weekdays or early in the day, and to consult the park's Facebook page for updates before making the trip. Despite the construction, park officials have made it clear that they do not want to see the park’s surroundings harmed by vehicles parking on the grass or double-parking.
The new facilities, once completed, promise to enhance the experience at Burgess Falls State Park with a new visitor center, gift shop, aviary, and more. The park asks for patience and cooperation during this time of growth and improvement.
