Burgess Falls State Park

Description: Advanced Junior Ranger Camp Summer 2025

Location: Burgess Falls State Park

July 14 - 15

Did your children love attending jr ranger camps at their favorite parks when they were between 6 and 12? Well, here is their opportunity to attend advanced junior ranger camp as a 13–17-year-old!

The advanced camp will be a two-day experience featuring kayaking and a guided hike at Window Cliffs State Natural Area. These events will be held at different locations, meaning there will be a different drop-off location each day.

Day 1 – Drop off at Cane Hollow Recreation Area at 8:30 am central and pick up at 12:30 pm (Boat Launch) 

Cane Hollow Rd, Sparta, TN 38583 (Follow the road; it will end at the lake where we will be waiting.)

Kayak to the base of Burgess Falls! We recommend that participants have prior kayaking experience, but if they do not, we can teach them to kayak. The paddle will be 4 miles long, 2 miles there, and 2 miles back to the boat launch. The kayak, paddle, and life vest will be provided. All will wear life vests, no exceptions. Participants will need sunscreen, hats, water shoes (preferably with closed toes), snacks, and at least 64 oz of water. Shorts and a top will be required to wear. It is highly recommended to bring your waterproof bag for valuables, cellphones or keys. We will take quick 5-minute breaks along the way for water breaks. When we arrive to the base of the falls, we will get out and rest at the base. Snacks and water will be encouraged to be consumed during this time. There will be no bathrooms after leaving the boat ramp.

** There are only two tandem kayaks, but if you have siblings or friends who would like to paddle together, that is an option. These are first come, first serve. Please email kristin.b.willis@tn.gov for this option. 

PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE THE STAMINA AND MOTIVATION TO PADDLE THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE FLOAT. THERE IS NOT AN OPTION TO QUIT AND BE BOATED BACK TO THE BOAT LAUNCH.

Day 2 – Drop off at Window Cliffs State Natural Area parking lot at 8:30 am and pick up at 12:30 pm 

8400 Old Cane Creek Road, Baxter, TN 38544

Go on a guided hike to Window Cliffs and visit a special area! This is a 6.5-mile hike with about 300 ft elevation change and 18 creek crossings. Participants will learn about the natural area and safe hiking practices. The creeks are fun and refreshing during hot weather! Hikers need their backpacks supplied with snacks, lunch, 64 oz. of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Hats are encouraged. The recommended shoes for this hike are hiking boots (they protect your ankles on the rocks) or old tennis shoes, as they both protect your feet and toes. Only one pair of shoes needs to be worn for the entire hike; we will not stop and allow participants to change shoes at each creek crossing. Pants are recommended due to the risk of poison ivy, but shorts are also acceptable. Shirts must be worn. It is recommended to bring a change of clothes and dry shoes to change into after the hike. There are no bathrooms on the trail, so nature breaks will have to occur in the woods using Leave No Trace principles.

**We want to encourage young outdoor enthusiasts to have positive experiences outdoors. ** Please do not sign your child up unless they are interested in outdoor activities, are prepared for the heat, and can physically handle the rewarding activity planned. We will encourage Leave No Trace principles on both events.

** Events will be canceled if there is a significant chance of storms. The event will not be canceled until morning, due to our weather changing by the hour. I realize this can be last-minute, but that is the nature of outside events. If an event is canceled, you will receive a refund for half the fee for one canceled event or the entire fee amount if both events are canceled.

Event Document:   Essential Eligibility Criteria