Overview:
Join us for a waterfall adventure, only 90 minutes from Nashville!
This three-hour experience starts with an easy paddle on Center Hill Lake to Burgess Falls.
Keep your eye out for turtles and herons along the 4 mile journey. This route is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike!
You will be joined by one of our trained guides, and before turning around, your group will have an hour to explore the falls, take in the sights, and go for a swim!
What to expect:
Please plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled trip time at 387 Cane Hollow Road, Sparta, TN 38583. Please turn left into our private gravel driveway on Cane Hollow Road, after the signs that say “Cumberland Kayak meets here”
We are located in the Central time zone. Please account for time changes when planning your travel! We can not wait more than 10 minutes past our scheduled tour times for late arrivals.
Our staff will greet you at our private parking lot, get you checked in, geared up, and ready to kayak!
This waterfall adventure typically lasts about 3 hours on the water from start to finish. This includes 1 hour paddling to the falls, 1 hour to spend at the falls, and 1 hour paddling back to the start.
**Tour duration can vary depending on water levels and time of season. If water levels are low and a short hike is required, we may extend the tour ~30 min to accommodate for the short hike portion while doing our best not to compromise your time spent at the falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our guided tours to Burgess Falls include 1 hour paddling to the falls, 1 hour to spend at the base of the falls, and 1 hour to paddle back. Including a short shuttle to the starting location, and a pre-trip orientation, this activity takes 3.5 hours total. **Tour duration can vary depending on water levels and time of season. If water levels are low and a short hike is required, we may extend the tour 30 min to an hour to accommodate for the short hike portion while doing our best not to compromise your time spent at the falls.
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Our Burgess Falls tours include everything you need to kayak to the falls! This includes a 3-hour kayak rental, a life jacket, and a paddle for each participant. You will be joined by one of our trained guides on each trip as well.
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Yes! We welcome first time and experienced paddlers on all of our kayak trips!
Each one of our pre-trip orientations includes a lesson on how to kayak for beginners! Our trip leaders are happy to help answer any of your questions before you get started, and one of our guides will join every tour group on the water.
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Children aged 12 and up are allowed to paddle their own kayak. Children under 12 can paddle in the front seat of a double kayak. Our minimum age requirement is 4 years old.
For young children, we are not able to allow lap-riding, so every participant must pay for a seat. Adults accompanying children under 12 must be comfortable paddling in the backseat while the child rides in the front. We do carry youth and child size life jackets.
Single Kayak Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Double Kayak Weight Capacity: 450 lbs.
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Our kayak tours operate rain or shine. In the event of severe or unsafe weather, such as thunderstorms or strong winds, we will notify guests of cancellations as soon as possible.
Refunds are not offered for customer cancellations, whether due to weather or other reasons. If Cumberland Kayak is notified via email at least 48 hours in advance of a trip, rescheduling (current year and season only) may be possible but is not guaranteed.
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Burgess Falls takes place in Central Time. If you are traveling from another timezone please make travel arrangements accordingly.
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No, we do not have availability for daily rentals or pick-up/drop-off rentals. We only offer guided tours to the falls.
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In this case, you are welcome to join members of your party who are guests on one of our guided tours. However, those renting from us are required to abide by the 3 hour tour duration, and are expected to turn back with the tour group.