Spanning over 30,845 acres across four Tennessee counties, South Cumberland State Park boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Southeast, with more than 90 miles of wilderness trails winding through sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests. This hidden gem, often overlooked by travelers rushing between Nashville and Chattanooga, offers outdoor adventures that have earned national recognition—including the Fiery Gizzard Trail, rated among the top 25 hiking trails in the United States by Backpacker magazine.
Getting to South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park is conveniently located between Nashville (90 minutes northwest) and Chattanooga (45 minutes southeast) via Interstate 24. The park is divided into nine separate areas spread across Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Sequatchie counties, with multiple access points depending on which area you plan to visit.
Main Visitor Center
The primary visitor center is located at 11745 US 41 in Monteagle, TN. This should be your first stop to gather maps, speak with rangers, and learn about current trail conditions. The center features interpretive exhibits and is adjacent to recreational fields where equipment can be borrowed free of charge.
Key Trailheads
Major trailheads include:
- Fiery Gizzard North (Tracy City) – Access to Grundy Forest and Fiery Gizzard Trail
- Fiery Gizzard South (Foster Falls) – Southern terminus of the Fiery Gizzard Trail
- Savage Gulf North (Stone Door) – Access to Stone Door and Savage Gulf trails
- Savage Gulf East – Access to Savage Falls and day loops
- Lost Cove – Access to Natural Bridge and Buggytop Cave
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Book your flights to Nashville or Chattanooga and begin your South Cumberland exploration.
Best Time to Visit
South Cumberland State Park offers year-round beauty, but each season provides a distinct experience:
Spring (March-May)
The prime season for wildflower enthusiasts. Shakerag Hollow and Collins Gulf trails explode with trillium, violets, and countless other woodland flowers. Waterfalls reach peak flow from spring rains, and temperatures are pleasantly mild (50-75°F).
Summer (June-August)
Perfect for swimming in the park’s many natural pools. Foster Falls, Sycamore Falls, and Blue Hole offer refreshing respite from summer heat. Temperatures range from 75-90°F, with higher humidity. Start hikes early to avoid afternoon heat.
Fall (September-November)
Many consider fall the most spectacular season, with vibrant foliage typically peaking in late October. The Stone Door and Savage Gulf overlooks offer breathtaking panoramas of autumn colors. Temperatures cool to 45-75°F with lower humidity.
Park Hours: The visitor center operates from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during summer months and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter. Trails and wilderness areas are accessible from sunrise to sunset year-round.
Top Attractions in South Cumberland State Park
With nine distinct areas spanning four counties, South Cumberland offers diverse landscapes and experiences. Here are the must-see attractions that showcase the park’s natural wonders:
1. The Great Stone Door
This remarkable natural formation is a 10-foot-wide crack that runs from the top of the Cumberland Plateau all the way to the bottom, creating a natural “door” in the cliff face. A relatively easy 2-mile round-trip hike from the Savage Gulf North trailhead leads to this spectacular feature and its breathtaking overlook of Savage Gulf. The stone steps descending through this massive crack were once used by Native Americans as a natural passage between the plateau top and the gulf below.
2. Fiery Gizzard Trail
Consistently ranked among America’s top hiking trails, the 12.5-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail connects Grundy Forest to Foster Falls, passing through some of the most diverse terrain in the park. Hikers encounter old-growth forests, boulder fields, cascading streams, and numerous waterfalls. The trail can be tackled as a challenging day hike or broken into sections with overnight camping at designated sites.
Fiery Gizzard Difficulty: Portions of this trail are quite strenuous with significant elevation changes and rocky terrain. Allow 8-10 hours for the full trail or choose shorter segments like the 3-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop for a more moderate experience.
3. Foster Falls
The crown jewel of the park’s many waterfalls, Foster Falls plunges 60 feet into a turquoise pool surrounded by a natural amphitheater of rock walls. A moderately difficult 2-mile round-trip hike takes you to the base of the falls, where swimming is popular in summer months. The area is also a renowned rock climbing destination with over 179 established routes on the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
4. Savage Gulf and Savage Falls
The Savage Gulf area features some of the most pristine wilderness in the park, with over 55 miles of trails exploring deep gorges and old-growth forests. The Savage Day Loop (4.2 miles) provides an accessible introduction to the area, leading to the picturesque Savage Falls. More adventurous hikers can explore the network of trails that descend into the gulf, where streams disappear into underground caves only to reemerge further downstream.
Explore South Cumberland’s Natural Wonders
Book guided hiking tours, waterfall excursions, and outdoor adventures with local experts.
Best Hiking Trails for Every Skill Level
South Cumberland State Park offers trails ranging from easy family-friendly strolls to challenging multi-day backpacking routes. Here are top recommendations based on difficulty:
Easy Trails
- Grundy Forest Day Loop (2 miles) – Perfect introduction to the park with waterfalls, old-growth trees, and swimming holes
- Meadow Trail (1 mile) – Kid-friendly trail with storyboards and a natural playground
- Sewanee Natural Bridge (0.5 miles) – Short walk to an impressive sandstone arch
- Stone Door Overlook (2 miles round-trip) – Easy access to spectacular views
Moderate Trails
- Savage Falls Day Loop (4.2 miles) – Beautiful loop featuring Savage Falls and diverse forest ecosystems
- Greeter Falls Loop (1.5 miles) – Moderately challenging trail with spiral staircase access to stunning waterfalls
- Sherwood Forest Trail (3 miles) – Loop trail with natural bridge and overlooks
- Grundy Lakes Loop (2.3 miles) – Historical trail passing 19th-century coke ovens
Difficult Trails
- Fiery Gizzard Trail (12.5 miles one-way) – Challenging terrain with significant elevation changes
- Big Creek Gulf Trail (9 miles) – Strenuous descent into and climb out of the gulf
- Collins Gulf Loop (12.5 miles) – Challenging loop with waterfalls and diverse terrain
- Buggytop Cave Trail (4 miles) – Moderate distance but steep sections leading to Tennessee’s largest cave entrance
“The Fiery Gizzard Trail offers some of the most rugged and rewarding hiking in the eastern United States. The name may sound funny, but the experience is seriously spectacular.”
Must-See Waterfalls
South Cumberland State Park is a waterfall enthusiast’s paradise, with dozens of cascades scattered throughout its various sections. Here are the most spectacular falls worth seeking out:
Foster Falls – The park’s tallest waterfall at 60 feet
Greeter Falls – Multi-tiered falls with popular swimming hole
Sycamore Falls – Perfect summer swimming destination
Savage Falls – Accessible falls on popular day loop
Blue Hole Falls – Known for its crystal-clear waters
Horsepound Falls – Historic falls named for Civil War horse hiding spot
Safety First: Water levels can change rapidly after rainfall. Never swim during high water conditions or attempt to cross streams during floods. Some swimming holes may be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers or children. Always check current conditions at the visitor center.
Camping Options
South Cumberland State Park offers diverse camping experiences from developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. All camping requires reservations, which can be made through the Tennessee State Parks website.
Foster Falls Campground
The park’s only developed campground features 26 sites with picnic tables, grills, and access to restrooms with hot showers. Located near the spectacular Foster Falls, this campground provides an ideal base for exploring the southern section of the park. Sites accommodate tents and small RVs (no hookups available).
Backcountry Camping
Over 100 primitive backcountry sites are scattered throughout the park’s wilderness areas. These sites require hiking in and offer a true immersion in nature. Popular backcountry camping areas include:
- Fiery Gizzard Trail – Multiple sites along the 12.5-mile trail
- Savage Gulf – Sites at Alum Gap and Hobbs Cabin
- Collins Gulf – Remote sites for experienced backpackers
- Stone Door – Group sites available for organized outings
Plan Your South Cumberland Stay
Find nearby accommodations in Monteagle, Tracy City, or Sewanee for easy park access.
Practical Tips for Visitors
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Plenty of water (2 liters per person minimum)
- Trail map (available at visitor center)
- Hiking poles for steep sections
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel (summer)
- Insect repellent (especially April-October)
- First aid kit with blister treatment
- Camera for capturing spectacular views
Safety Information
- Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas
- Sign in at trailhead registers before backcountry hikes
- Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and getting lost
- Check for tick bites after hiking (Lyme disease risk)
- Be aware of potential wildlife encounters (including snakes)
- Cliff edges can be dangerous, especially when wet
- Flash floods can occur in gulfs after heavy rain
- Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time
Park Regulations
- Permits required for all camping
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings
- Pack out all trash (no garbage service)
- Pets must be leashed at all times
- No collecting plants, rocks, or artifacts
- Hunting is prohibited throughout the park
- Drones require special permission
- Quiet hours observed from 10 PM to 6 AM
Nearby Attractions
While South Cumberland State Park offers enough adventures to fill multiple visits, the surrounding area features additional attractions worth exploring:
The Caverns
Just minutes from the park, The Caverns offers daily cave tours and hosts the Emmy-winning PBS series “Bluegrass Underground” in a spectacular subterranean amphitheater. The Adventure Cave Tour takes thrill-seekers into deeper portions of the cave system with experienced guides.
University of the South (Sewanee)
The picturesque campus in Sewanee features stunning Gothic architecture, the Abbo’s Alley ravine garden, and several scenic overlooks including Green’s View and Memorial Cross. The 13,000-acre campus, known as “The Domain,” offers additional hiking opportunities on the Perimeter Trail.
Mountain Goat Trail
This developing rail-trail follows the path of the historic Mountain Goat Railroad that once connected the mountain communities. Currently, over 5 miles of paved trail connect Sewanee and Monteagle, perfect for walking, running, or cycling on a relatively flat grade.
Explore the Region
Rent a car to discover all the attractions around South Cumberland State Park at your own pace.
Plan Your South Cumberland Adventure
South Cumberland State Park represents Tennessee wilderness at its finest—a place where ancient forests cloak deep canyons, where crystal-clear streams disappear into the earth only to reemerge miles away, and where sandstone cliffs offer views that stretch to the horizon. Whether you’re seeking a challenging backcountry adventure on the legendary Fiery Gizzard Trail or a family-friendly day of waterfall hopping, the park’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for discovery.
As you plan your visit, remember that the park’s separated sections allow you to experience different ecosystems and attractions depending on your interests and available time. The main visitor center in Monteagle serves as an excellent starting point to orient yourself and gather the latest trail information before setting out to explore this remarkable wilderness that has earned its reputation as one of the crown jewels in Tennessee’s state park system.
