Cross 18 creeks out and back on this gorgeous trail to the iconic "Window Cliffs"!

It was a gorgeous early March day, so we drove a little over an hour east on I-40 to Window Cliffs, a 5.5 mile hike that features 18 creek crossings (!!!), a gorgeous sandstone rock structure (the "Window Cliffs"), beautiful woods, and one larger waterfall.

If you want to explore this area too, I'd recommend you wait for a few dry no-rain days and call the Park Office (931-432-5312) to ensure the park is open.  The rangers will close the park if the creeks are in danger of flash floods and rising water levels.

Once you've ensured the Park is open, you'll need to prepare by bringing the following:

1. Water shoes (think Tevas) because you’ll be crossing tons of creeks
2. Plenty of water and snacks – the hike is long at 5.5 miles
3. Backpack – with extra socks and hiking shoes
4. If you have young kids, a Piggy Back Rider (though note, this may not be the hike for you with young kids)
5. Leave your dog at home

You’ll need to go early, the hike is long and you cannot start the hike past 1pm (the gates won’t open for you to enter) and you need to be out by 5pm. 

From the carpark, you’ll walk down about 0.75 miles (~300 feet of elevation) through switchbacks to the first creek crossing.  On the day we went, the first crossing was the deepest (water came up to an adult’s knees).  The creeks have cables to help you pass safely across them.  And the trail is mostly flat and well marked until the approach to the “Window Cliffs” where you’ll go steadily up.  You’ll have the opportunity to view the Cliffs from afar, and if you want, you can actually continue on the trail to stand on top of the Cliffs.  The adults in our group safely climbed to the top of the Cliffs, but we made the children (ages 5 and 6) stay at the shady spot at the end of the trail and avoid climbing on the Cliffs (they can be steep and dangerous).

We took our time and had a long lunch at the Cliffs, between that, and the creek crossings (which can slow you down), I’d plan on a full day at this special trail.

Note: Window Cliffs is part of the Burgess Falls State Park but is not contiguous to the section with Burgess Falls.  Ensure you are driving to Window Cliffs, not Burgess Falls.

Per the website:

The trail is 5.5 miles roundtrip from the parking area to Window Cliffs.  Allow two and half to 3 hours to complete the hike.  A roundtrip requires 18 creek crossings which can be challenging or impassable during high water as there are no bridges but only cables and rock crossings.  You will get wet when hiking this trail. Hiking boots are recommended for hiking the trail, having an extra pair of water shoes or tennis shoes is suggested for stream crossings.  The trail is considered difficult to strenuous. Due to the numerous stream crossings with sometimes swift water and the potentially dangerous cliff tops, pets are not permitted within the natural area.

Dogs on Leash: No

Hunting: No

Fishing: Yes

Camping: No