The park is situated around a steep gorge in which the Falling Water River drops 250 feet (76 m) in elevation in less than a mile, culminating in a 136-foot (41 m) cataract waterfall.

The Burgess Falls State Natural Area, which covers 350 acres (1.4 km2), is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Falling Water River rises near the base of the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Putnam County and winds its way across the Highland Rim to its mouth along the Center Hill Lake impoundment of the Caney Fork, which is located in an area where the Highland Rim drops off into the Central Basin.

Burgess Falls spills into a large limestone gorge enclosed by sheer walls 100–200 feet (30–60 m) high.

Due in large part to calls from Cookevillians to protect the area, Burgess Falls State Park was established in 1971.

The park is open year-round, but is closed on days of high precipitation due to the Falling Water River's volatility.