Burgess Falls State Park is a very nice State Park and well worth a visit. This park offers 3 water falls with the main attraction being Burgess Falls. Located only about 20-25 minutes north of Falls Creek State Park seeing both parks in one day is very much recommended if you allocate enough time. All 3 falls are along the same single path that is about 3/4 of a mile end to end is and a very easy walk for the entire family. In what are teasers along your trail you will first come to the Little Falls which is maybe 100 yards down the trail. About another 1/4 to 1/2 mile down is Middle Falls and is larger and a bit more majestic. A short 1/4 mile hike further will bring you to the main attraction, burgess Falls. My pictures do not do it justice as it had not rained in weeks. Search the web and you will see some very awesome beautiful shots of this beauty of nature. The main viewing area is an overlook, but to the right yoou will see a path down to the top of the falls. Actually the view at the top of Burgess Falls is not as good as the over look, but if you are adventuresome you can get to the base of the falls, warning the official trail ends a short way down form the top of the falls. To get to the base you follow are more rugged and treacherous path often steep and slippery and over some loose rocks, travel to the base at your own risk, but if you do you will be rewarded with a very spectacular view. All 3 falls are very worth the visit and easily accessible, this is a must see trio or delights if you are anywhere in the area.

I rate Burgess a 9 and the other two a 7 with the difficulty a 2 except for the hike to the base of Burgess which I would rate a difficulty of 8, more for the tedious and difficult footing than for being strenuous. These shots were taken douing a light flow of water, it had not rained in a while. A search on the web will find some shots from others when the flow is better.

To get to the park you take Hwy 111 North (park is about 20-25 min North of Falls Creek State Park) and look for the sign for Burgess Falls State Park, the exit will also be for Hwy 136. There are good signs directing you on Hwy 136 to Hwy 135 and then into the park.

Word of Warning, Hwy 111 has several speed traps especially in Van Buren County near Spencer, on your way to Burgess Falls, note the changes in speed limits and take notice!


All shots were with 20D and combination of 24-70L and Tamron 17-35Di using B+W ND and CP filters processed in PS CS2 and Bibble Pro.