10 Things to Do in Smithville That You Shouldn't Miss

Burgess Falls State Park, located on the Falling Water River, is a day use park, noted for its natural beauty and four waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. The area was originally populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These tribes used the land as a hunting ground until the late 19th century when a gristmill and sawmill began operating on the river. The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Cookeville from 1928-1944. In 1973, the territory became a designated Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats. The park offers several activities for family and friends to enjoy year-round. Fishing is popular below the dam and the main waterfall along the bank and at the fishing pier. There are no public boat ramps or canoe/kayak access areas in the park. A large covered pavilion equipped with grills and tables can be reserved for large groups and has a scenic view of the river. Additional picnic areas, most with grills, are conveniently located to restrooms and a playground is nearby. None of the picnic tables are equipped with water spigots and all are available on a first come, first serve basis. The 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail/Service Road Loop is a moderately strenuous hike taking visitors past the waterfalls and into the gorge. The waterfalls are 20’ cascades, 30’ upper falls, 80’ middle falls, and 136’ lower falls in height. A steep trail leads to the edge of the falls, and a rustic stairway leads into the gorge. This is not an easy hike; the trail from the main overlook to the bottom of the main falls is very strenuous. Most people prefer to hike back to the parking lot along the service road. The half-mile Ridge Top Trail is very scenic with views down the main canyon of Falling Water River. All trails are foot trails.

Short Mountain Distillery is Tennessee's sixth distillery making authentic small-batch, Tennessee Moonshine, Bourbon and other fine products from corn grown & stone-milled on our 300 acre working farm in Cannon County, Tennessee. The distillery, restaurant and tasting room are open for visitors from 11am-4pm Friday-Sunday. Guided tours are scheduled for 11:30am and 2:30pm Friday-Sunday and are approximately 45 minutes. Visiting the distillery and tastings are always free. Visitors can taste and purchase our moonshine and can expect to learn about local history and our heritage of whiskey making. Visitors will learn about our organic permaculture farm practices and also take the Cooper Cave Spring trail to see how we preserve our natural resources for generations to come. Lunch is available at the cafe on site Thursday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm

Grade A Dairy, Farm Store with farm fresh meats, cheese, crocheted goats, handmade goat milk soap, lotion and fudge. Goat cuddling, visiting and feeding. Tour the whole 64 acre farm, see Cows/Calves, Pigs/Piglets, Goats and baby goats (kids). Learn about the cheese making process, see the milking parlor, watch a pot bellied pig do tricks for crackers. Milk a adult goat by hand. Cheese and fudge tasting. Indoor baby goat nursery, chairs provided so you can sit with the baby goats and snuggle!