Today I decided that our adventures needed to be shared with the world. My dog, my emotional support companion, a Great Dane named Zelda has and will be on many adventures with me. Buckle up, buttercup and enjoy as we share a piece of our heaven with you.

I have always heard the "mountains callin my name", and finally gave in to the call. On January 20, 2020, I decided to go on my first ever hike with my sidekick (and kids) along with me. We traveled the hour to Burgess Falls in Sparta, Tennessee. Now, as a complete amateur, I had no idea what I was in for, or what to expect. With it being in January, it was cold - oh goodness was it cold, but by the time we treked the mile to the falls, my blood was puming and I was fairly warm.

 Now, don't let me fool you, I was all stoked and ready for anything until I had to climb up the side of the hill and as a new NON - smoker, it still was a struggle. My legs felt weak and I was out of breath. My kids even needed a bit of a break. When we stopped, we came to the "second" falls (there are 3 falls all together). We took this time to drink some water, rest on a bench and take some photos.

As we continued onwards, we heard the roar of the massive water fall. Due to flooding damaging the staircase to the base of the falls, we were only able to admire the top and BE at the top of the waterfall. It was so pretty and quite amazing! Zelda did great for her VERY first hike and even tried to drink some of the fresh water, but the roar scared her. This is when I realized that Dane's are skiddish and do not like loud sounds!

When we were done being freezing and ready to go home, we took a walking trail, which is flat and much easier to walk, than the hill of death on the way to the falls. We of couse had to stop for some photos!

If you are ever in Tennessee, please make sure to stop by Burgess Falls in Sparta, TN! It is a very nice trail, and be sure to walk down to the dam as well. We didn't go that way, but that gives me an excuse to go back.

Tell me about your first hiking experience.

For more information about Burgess Falls, click here.
**Burgess Falls Trail:
4000 Burgess Falls Drive
Sparta, TN 38583
36.0440100, -85.5949400
Length: 1.1 Mi
Elevation GAin 134 ft.
Route Type: Out and back (there is a loop option as well)