Window Cliffs Directions & Maps

Above: Waterfall at Window Cliff

 Window Cliffs Directions & Maps

Hike Distance 5.5 miles round trip strenuous

Here is a link to directions on the state's DEC website

There is a link of the area if you scroll to the bottom of their page.

Now because I have had many instances of these sorts of state sponsored websites failing to work or disappearing... I am going to post the directions on this page separately where they are less likely to get lost. The state's map has its strong points. It keeps the focus on the track of the hike and includes spots where the nine water crossings are.  It includes a rather terrifying elevation profile in the bottom right corner.  I'm not saying do not pay attention to it, but don't let it put you off.

It is gradual downhill for the first half mile or so.  Then on the return trip you have that gradual uphill climb on switchbacks to the parking lot.  In Summer if you have been taking advantage of the creek and gotten wet it makes the upward climb far easier and cooler.  

State of Tennessee's Map of the Area

I am also posting a link to a far better map that was created by Chuck Sutherland.

It shows additional waterfalls and features in the area.  It also shows where the state natural area is in relation to Burgess Falls. 

Chuck's Map Here

Directions from the state's website: 

Window Cliffs is a 275-acre state natural area designated in 2014. It is located in southern Putnam County approximately 18 miles south of Cookeville near Burgess Falls State Natural Area. Located within the dissected portion of the Eastern Highland Rim, Window Cliffs is a prominent geological clifftop feature that consists of a very narrow, elongated ridge that lies in the neck of an incised meander of Cane Creek. While it is about 150 feet wide at its base, it is only a few feet wide on the narrow clifftop 200 feet above Caney Creek.

This is a fragile landform underlain by Mississippian and Ordovician aged sedimentary limestone that continues to undergo erosion and dissolution. This geologic process has created the prominent natural bridges or “windows” for which it is named. Its notoriety extends back to the early 19th century when the French Naturalist, Charles Leseur, visited the site and named it “Cane Creek Bluff.” His sketch of the feature is displayed in the La Havre Natural History Museum in France.

The cliff face supports a Central Interior Calcareous Cliff and Talus plant community and it is only one of two known Tennessee locations of the state-endangered plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata). This is a shortgrass prairie species commonly found in the western plains. The state-listed northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) occurs at the base of the cliff. While rare in Tennessee, it occurs most often in eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. The best quality forest communities in the natural area consist of dry-mesic oak and hickory in the upland while the mesic coves support both American beech and eastern hemlock.

Approximately 2.4 stream-miles of Cane Creek flow through the natural area along with Phelps Branch, a tributary to Cane Creek. A few small cascades, steep slopes, narrow ledges and a 20 ft. waterfall occur along Cane Creek. Many of these features can be observed along a 2.7 mile trail that leads from the parking area to the Window Cliffs. The trail traverses some old fields and successional forest through a section of natural area acquired to provide public access to the Windows.

Important Points to Remember About Hiking to Window Cliffs

• It is a day use area only meaning no after dark hiking and no camping .
• No dogs at all. Not even on a leash.
• No hunting
• You may fish with a valid state license.
• There is ample parking
• There are porta potties at the parking area
• There is a trail the entire way
• There are nine water crossings ( one way) that are always over your boot tops.  That means a total of 18 water crossings round trip.  Some are cabled.  
• Window Cliffs now is part of a warning system that is used at Cummins Falls to protect hikers from flash floods. There have been several drowning deaths at Cummins Falls which is what lead to this. Heed any warnings and use good common sense. 
• The area may be closed suddenly to all use because of flash flooding.
• You may arrive at Window Cliffs to find it closed during periods of heavy rainfall that raise water levels above what is safe.

Window Cliffs is not quite as dangerous as the  gorge at Cummins Falls from the stand point of it is a larger area with more spots to get to high ground quickly in a flash flood. It still carries risks and good judgement of ones abilities and the situation at hand should be exercised.  Watch the weather forecast and stay safe.

Below is my trip report from a  hike to Window Cliffs with my buddy Jay Walker.. the Voice of the Pioneers... radio announcer!

Window Cliffs Trip Report