Center Hill Lake Waterfall Directions --Burgess, Fancher and Mist Falls

above: Fancher Falls 
 

Center Hill Lake Waterfall Directions --Burgess, Fancher and Mist Falls 

   Center Hill lake has three waterfalls that may be reached by water craft and a short walk.  Burgess Falls is the best known.  Fancher and Mist Falls are side by side so directions for one work for both.   The base of all of these falls is only accessible by water. Fancher and Mist Falls are on private property.  Burgess Falls used to be reachable by a hike, but that part of the trail washed out and is not going to be replaced. 

 If you plan to visit Burgess Falls by kayak you will want to approach from the Cane Creek Boat Ramp.   It is the shortest way.

If you plan to visit Burgess Falls by pontoon boat the best access is the Cookeville Boat Dock.  

It may be better for you to visit these falls with a guide and their equipment if you don't have the kayak or aren't comfortable trying to find it on your own.  Try Cumberland Kayaks with Eddie Ramos for a guide! 

If you plan to visit Fancher Falls and Mist Falls by either pontoon or kayak the best way is to put in at the Cookeville Boat Dock.  It is 2.50 miles one way from there on the water with a walk of 0.20 miles  one way  depending on the water levels.   

Driving Directions to Cane Hollow Boating Access :

This is an access point that is great for kayaks and john boats.  It is NOT acceptable for pontoons or larger water craft as there is no dock or ramp. There are usually no restrooms or other improvements at this location.  Seasonally they may have porta potties.  

From the intersection of SR 136 and SR 135 in Cookeville  Turn onto Burgess Falls Rd SR 135 and drive 2 miles to a LEFT turn onto Cole's Chapel Road and go 0.60 miles to a LEFT turn onto Austin Rd.  Drive 0.30 miles on Austin Rd to a  RIGHT turn onto Browntown Road.   At 0.60 miles on Browntown Road you will come to a Y stay RIGHT to continue on Wildcat Rd while Browntown Rd goes sharply left.   Drive 1 mile on Wildcat Road and turn sharply RIGHT onto Cane Hollow Road. Follow it down  for 1/2 mile to a dead end on the shore of Center Hill Lake where there is parking and your jumping off point. 

Driving Directions to Cookeville Boat Dock 

Cookeville Boat Dock has actual boat ramps, docks, fuel, restrooms, a store, a restaurant, boat rentals and the amenities you'd look for at a marina.  

From the intersection of Interstate 40 and SR 135 in Cookeville, TN.  

SR 135 in Cookeville starts out called Willow Road.  It becomes "Burgess Falls Road" then changes names again to Cookeville Boat Dock Road.  Get on it in Cookeville near the interstate and stay on it for 13 miles. It winds its way through the countryside heading southwest and dead ends at the boat dock.

  There is a fee to park at the boat dock and put in so once there go in the office and settle up.

Paddle to Burgess Falls from Cane Hollow Boat Access

from the Cane Hollow Access paddle and bear right or northeast on the main channel of the lake for 2 miles.  in a kayak you can get within 100 yards or less to Burgess Falls.  On a pontoon boat you may be able to get within 200 yards of the falls during normal lake levels.  Watch your depth closely especially in late Summer.  We found we could not get there in the pontoon because the water levels were too low.   We also could not safely or reasonably exit the boat and start out on foot from the point where the water got too low.  Thick, waist high weeds on the banks, scummy, mucky water where you couldn't see to wade or swim were at this point.   If Cumberland Kayaks has hung it up for the season you should probably not attempt it in a pontoon.   Kayakers can get there by skimming over all this mess and they have an advantage!  

Paddle to Fancher Falls from Cookeville Boat Dock 

From the Cookeville Boat Dock head northeast on the main lake for 1 mile.  You'll turn right into the second hollow on the right. The first one is a shallow divot and a dead end.   Continue up the stream for 1.30 miles watching your depth carefully if you are in a pontoon.   We were able to get within 100 yards of the falls in August.   You will need to get out on the right bank heading upstream. There is no path to Fancher and Mist Falls, but make your way carefully among the rocks, roots and stumps.  You will find Mist Falls on the far right and Fancher Falls straight ahead.