Park Overview
South Cumberland State Park
Home of Savage Gulf, Stone Door and the nationally-ranked Fiery Gizzard Trail
The Cumberland Plateau, the largest remaining forested plateau in the continental United States, is home to South Cumberland State Park. The state's largest park, totaling over 30,800 acres, includes some of Tennessee's most diverse and spectacular scenery.
South Cumberland State Park is comprised of nine discrete tracts scattered across Franklin, Marion, Grundy and Sequatchie counties, but is managed as a single park. As a result, there are multiple trailhead locations from which you can access the different areas of the park. The park tracts are generally clustered in three units: Savage Gulf, in Grundy and Sequatchie Counties; Fiery Gizzard, in Grundy and Marion Counties; and Sherwood Forest, in Franklin County.
Detailed trail maps are available here, for free download, or in hard-copy form at the South Cumberland Visitor Center, the Stone Door Ranger Station and the Savage Gulf Ranger Station, along with trip planning information. Or, you can ask for advice from the Park office (phone: 931-924-2980). You may also want to visit the Park's Events page to see a listing of scheduled, ranger-guided hikes. Our friendly Rangers and park staff are always available to help. All you have to do is ask!
A popular destination for hikers and campers, nearly 100 miles of trails and 13 primitive campgrounds service the area. In addition to hiking and camping, the park offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming, fishing, caving, visiting historic ruins, rock climbing and rappelling, viewing spectacular rock formations, wildlife and waterfalls.
South Cumberland State Park is truly a unique site on the Cumberland Plateau. This park plays an important role in protecting and preserving this area’s natural and historical objects that are important to this region’s culture. Visitors from all over the world travel to this site to take part in nature and learn about this area’s history. With the public’s support, South Cumberland State Park will be able to care for this area for years to come.
Visitor Center
The South Cumberland Visitor Center is an excellent first stop. Located on U.S. Highway 41 between Tracy City and Monteagle, it is approximately three miles east of Interstate 24 and may be reached by taking either Exit 134 or 135 from the interstate. The Visitor Center is about 50 miles northwest of Chattanooga and 85 miles southeast of Nashville.
The Visitor Center provides and excellent interpretation of the park's nine individual tracts, and highlights the area's history through exhibits, including a cabin, tools relating to the timber industry, photographs, maps and other displays depicting the region's natural and cultural resources. A focal point is a cross-section of a coal mine as mining was central to the region's economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The adjacent grounds include a picnic pavilion, ball field, two lighted tennis courts, a playground and a wooded picnic area with grills and tables.
Sherwood Forest / Franklin County cluster
Carter State Natural Area (Lost Cove ["Buggytop"] Cave)
Carter State Natural Area is in the southwest section of the South Cumberland complex. Hikers can enter the area along the Buggytop Trail, a two-mile long route that leads to the Buggytop opening to Lost Cove Cave. All visitors to the cave are asked to respect the fragile ecology of this underground ecosystem, and stay out of the deeper areas of the cave during bat hibernation season, generally coinciding with cooler weather.
Sewanee Natural Bridge State Natural Area
Accessible from State Route 56 and located in the southwest section of the park domain, the Natural Bridge is only a short walk from the parking area. A masterpiece of Mother Nature's handiwork, the 27-foot tall natural bridge has been artfully weathered from solid sandstone by natural forces.
Hawkins Cove State Natural Area
The Cumberland Plateau is home to a large number of rare and endangered species of plants and wildlife. The Hawkins Cove Natural Area's 262 acres were set aside as a natural area in 1985 to preserve the rare Cumberland Rosinweed. At present, there are no trails or public access points on this tract. Additional information is available at the Visitor Center.
Sherwood Forest
The nearly 4,000 acre tract known as "Sherwood Forest" is a recent addition to the Park, adjoining both the Carter State Natural Area (Buggytop/Lost Cove Cave) and the University of the South's Lost Cove conservation area. At present, the new 2.5-mile Sherwood Day Loop trail, taking you to the Sherwood Natural Bridge and a dramatic overlook of Lost Cove, is partially open but still under construction. Additional information is available at the Visitor Center.
Fiery Gizzard / Marion County cluster
Fiery Gizzard Trail
This trail features cascading streams, numerous waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, extremely rocky gorges, gentle slopes and lush woodlands. This trail is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the state and has been ranked as one of the top twenty-five backpacking trails in the United States by Backpacker magazine. There are three primitive campgrounds along the trail.
There are two entrances to Fiery Gizzard. The north entrance is from the Grundy Forest State Natural Area and is about three miles from the South Cumberland Visitor Center. The south entrance is eleven and one-half miles from the Visitor Center and is accessed via U. S. Highway 41 or State Route 150. The entrance is within the TVA managed Foster Falls TVA Small Wild Area.
Foster Falls
At Foster Falls you'll find picnic facilities and a seasonal campground for overnight visitors from April through October. Foster Falls, which lends its name to the area, drops sixty feet and marks the southern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. South Cumberland manages 550 acres at Foster Falls that has become a world class destination for sport rock climbing. Facilities include restrooms, a picnic pavilion, a ADA compliant boardwalk and viewing platform and a wooded picnic area.
Denny Cove
Another recent addition to the park, Denny Cove is nearly 700 acres, notable for its tall and beautifully-formed cliffs, which are considered world-class by recreational rock climbers. Over 100 climbing routes are presently available to climbers; an online guidebook is available here. There are both established sport climbing routes, as well as challenging traditional climbs. Climbing grades range from 5.8 to 5.14. The majority of routes in Denny Cove fall into the 5.11 to 5.12 range. Much of the cliff line at Denny Cove extends above the shade of trees; therefore peak climbing conditions will occur during cooler months. For non-climbers, Denny Cove offers an excellent trail system, with a short spur to an excellent overlook of the Cove, and the Waterfall Trail, a 3-mile round-trip trek to double-drop Denny Falls, the signature natural feature of this area.
Grundy Forest State Natural Area
In 1935 a group of Tracy City residents donated this 212-acre tract to accommodate a camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is the northern access point for the Fiery Gizzard Trail. For those looking for a shorter hike, the Grundy Forest Day Loop is a two-mile trek that carries hikers past numerous waterfalls, a plunge pool, old growth trees including a giant Hemlock, and a cascading stream. Facilities include a picnic shelter and restrooms.
Grundy Lakes
The Grundy Lakes area, which is adjacent to U. S. Highway 41, just south of Tracy City, provides swimming and picnicking facilities in one of Grundy County's most historic areas. Grundy Lakes is the site of the Lone Rock Coke Ovens where locally mined coal was converted to coke by convict labor until 1896. The coke ovens remain intact and may be viewed by visitors as historic reminders of those times. Facilities include a bath house. The Park has canoeing and training available at various times. Check the current Park activities schedule for details.
Savage Gulf / Grundy County cluster
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
This tract of about 18,000 acres contains some of the most spectacular natural rock formations in Tennessee. Purchased by the state in 1973 to protect one of the last known stands of virgin timber in the Eastern United States, Savage Gulf has over 55 miles of trails and nine primitive campgrounds.
The Stone Door Ranger Station is within the Savage Gulf tract and is accessible off State Highway 56 near Beersheba Springs. It is named for the Great Stone Door, a 150-foot deep crevice at the crest of the Plateau. It is the western access for the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trails network.
The Savage Gulf Ranger Station is the eastern access point to the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trail system that traverses the most rugged and scenic areas of the South Cumberland complex. It is accessible off State Highway 399, between State Highways 108 and 111 on the Grundy-Sequatchie county line.
Greeter Falls is part of the Savage Gulf Natural Area, and is located just three miles north of Altamont off TN Hwy 56. Greeter Falls features a day use trail that is part of the Savage Gulf trails network. The parking lot and trailhead are at the end of Greeter Falls Road. Greeter Falls and Boardtree Falls are highlights within this strikingly beautiful area. Greeter Trail connects this section with Stone Door and other features within the Savage Gulf area.
The Collins West Trailhead is an access point near the Swiss Memorial School in Gruetli-Laager. The parking lot is at the end of 55th Avenue, about three miles north of State Highway 108. Collins Gulf is notable for Suter Falls and Horsepound Falls, as well as the historic McMinnville-to-Chattanooga stagecoach trail. It is also a spectacular area for spring woodland wildflowers.
Home of Savage Gulf, Stone Door and the nationally-ranked Fiery Gizzard Trail
The Cumberland Plateau, the largest remaining forested plateau in the continental United States, is home to South Cumberland State Park. The state's largest park, totaling over 30,800 acres, includes some of Tennessee's most diverse and spectacular scenery.
South Cumberland State Park is comprised of nine discrete tracts scattered across Franklin, Marion, Grundy and Sequatchie counties, but is managed as a single park. As a result, there are multiple trailhead locations from which you can access the different areas of the park. The park tracts are generally clustered in three units: Savage Gulf, in Grundy and Sequatchie Counties; Fiery Gizzard, in Grundy and Marion Counties; and Sherwood Forest, in Franklin County.
Detailed trail maps are available here, for free download, or in hard-copy form at the South Cumberland Visitor Center, the Stone Door Ranger Station and the Savage Gulf Ranger Station, along with trip planning information. Or, you can ask for advice from the Park office (phone: 931-924-2980). You may also want to visit the Park's Events page to see a listing of scheduled, ranger-guided hikes. Our friendly Rangers and park staff are always available to help. All you have to do is ask!
A popular destination for hikers and campers, nearly 100 miles of trails and 13 primitive campgrounds service the area. In addition to hiking and camping, the park offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming, fishing, caving, visiting historic ruins, rock climbing and rappelling, viewing spectacular rock formations, wildlife and waterfalls.
South Cumberland State Park is truly a unique site on the Cumberland Plateau. This park plays an important role in protecting and preserving this area’s natural and historical objects that are important to this region’s culture. Visitors from all over the world travel to this site to take part in nature and learn about this area’s history. With the public’s support, South Cumberland State Park will be able to care for this area for years to come.
Visitor Center
The South Cumberland Visitor Center is an excellent first stop. Located on U.S. Highway 41 between Tracy City and Monteagle, it is approximately three miles east of Interstate 24 and may be reached by taking either Exit 134 or 135 from the interstate. The Visitor Center is about 50 miles northwest of Chattanooga and 85 miles southeast of Nashville.
The Visitor Center provides and excellent interpretation of the park's nine individual tracts, and highlights the area's history through exhibits, including a cabin, tools relating to the timber industry, photographs, maps and other displays depicting the region's natural and cultural resources. A focal point is a cross-section of a coal mine as mining was central to the region's economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The adjacent grounds include a picnic pavilion, ball field, two lighted tennis courts, a playground and a wooded picnic area with grills and tables.
Sherwood Forest / Franklin County cluster
Carter State Natural Area (Lost Cove ["Buggytop"] Cave)
Carter State Natural Area is in the southwest section of the South Cumberland complex. Hikers can enter the area along the Buggytop Trail, a two-mile long route that leads to the Buggytop opening to Lost Cove Cave. All visitors to the cave are asked to respect the fragile ecology of this underground ecosystem, and stay out of the deeper areas of the cave during bat hibernation season, generally coinciding with cooler weather.
Sewanee Natural Bridge State Natural Area
Accessible from State Route 56 and located in the southwest section of the park domain, the Natural Bridge is only a short walk from the parking area. A masterpiece of Mother Nature's handiwork, the 27-foot tall natural bridge has been artfully weathered from solid sandstone by natural forces.
Hawkins Cove State Natural Area
The Cumberland Plateau is home to a large number of rare and endangered species of plants and wildlife. The Hawkins Cove Natural Area's 262 acres were set aside as a natural area in 1985 to preserve the rare Cumberland Rosinweed. At present, there are no trails or public access points on this tract. Additional information is available at the Visitor Center.
Sherwood Forest
The nearly 4,000 acre tract known as "Sherwood Forest" is a recent addition to the Park, adjoining both the Carter State Natural Area (Buggytop/Lost Cove Cave) and the University of the South's Lost Cove conservation area. At present, the new 2.5-mile Sherwood Day Loop trail, taking you to the Sherwood Natural Bridge and a dramatic overlook of Lost Cove, is partially open but still under construction. Additional information is available at the Visitor Center.
Fiery Gizzard / Marion County cluster
Fiery Gizzard Trail
This trail features cascading streams, numerous waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, extremely rocky gorges, gentle slopes and lush woodlands. This trail is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the state and has been ranked as one of the top twenty-five backpacking trails in the United States by Backpacker magazine. There are three primitive campgrounds along the trail.
There are two entrances to Fiery Gizzard. The north entrance is from the Grundy Forest State Natural Area and is about three miles from the South Cumberland Visitor Center. The south entrance is eleven and one-half miles from the Visitor Center and is accessed via U. S. Highway 41 or State Route 150. The entrance is within the TVA managed Foster Falls TVA Small Wild Area.
Foster Falls
At Foster Falls you'll find picnic facilities and a seasonal campground for overnight visitors from April through October. Foster Falls, which lends its name to the area, drops sixty feet and marks the southern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. South Cumberland manages 550 acres at Foster Falls that has become a world class destination for sport rock climbing. Facilities include restrooms, a picnic pavilion, a ADA compliant boardwalk and viewing platform and a wooded picnic area.
Denny Cove
Another recent addition to the park, Denny Cove is nearly 700 acres, notable for its tall and beautifully-formed cliffs, which are considered world-class by recreational rock climbers. Over 100 climbing routes are presently available to climbers; an online guidebook is available here. There are both established sport climbing routes, as well as challenging traditional climbs. Climbing grades range from 5.8 to 5.14. The majority of routes in Denny Cove fall into the 5.11 to 5.12 range. Much of the cliff line at Denny Cove extends above the shade of trees; therefore peak climbing conditions will occur during cooler months. For non-climbers, Denny Cove offers an excellent trail system, with a short spur to an excellent overlook of the Cove, and the Waterfall Trail, a 3-mile round-trip trek to double-drop Denny Falls, the signature natural feature of this area.
Grundy Forest State Natural Area
In 1935 a group of Tracy City residents donated this 212-acre tract to accommodate a camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is the northern access point for the Fiery Gizzard Trail. For those looking for a shorter hike, the Grundy Forest Day Loop is a two-mile trek that carries hikers past numerous waterfalls, a plunge pool, old growth trees including a giant Hemlock, and a cascading stream. Facilities include a picnic shelter and restrooms.
Grundy Lakes
The Grundy Lakes area, which is adjacent to U. S. Highway 41, just south of Tracy City, provides swimming and picnicking facilities in one of Grundy County's most historic areas. Grundy Lakes is the site of the Lone Rock Coke Ovens where locally mined coal was converted to coke by convict labor until 1896. The coke ovens remain intact and may be viewed by visitors as historic reminders of those times. Facilities include a bath house. The Park has canoeing and training available at various times. Check the current Park activities schedule for details.
Savage Gulf / Grundy County cluster
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
This tract of about 18,000 acres contains some of the most spectacular natural rock formations in Tennessee. Purchased by the state in 1973 to protect one of the last known stands of virgin timber in the Eastern United States, Savage Gulf has over 55 miles of trails and nine primitive campgrounds.
The Stone Door Ranger Station is within the Savage Gulf tract and is accessible off State Highway 56 near Beersheba Springs. It is named for the Great Stone Door, a 150-foot deep crevice at the crest of the Plateau. It is the western access for the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trails network.
The Savage Gulf Ranger Station is the eastern access point to the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trail system that traverses the most rugged and scenic areas of the South Cumberland complex. It is accessible off State Highway 399, between State Highways 108 and 111 on the Grundy-Sequatchie county line.
Greeter Falls is part of the Savage Gulf Natural Area, and is located just three miles north of Altamont off TN Hwy 56. Greeter Falls features a day use trail that is part of the Savage Gulf trails network. The parking lot and trailhead are at the end of Greeter Falls Road. Greeter Falls and Boardtree Falls are highlights within this strikingly beautiful area. Greeter Trail connects this section with Stone Door and other features within the Savage Gulf area.
The Collins West Trailhead is an access point near the Swiss Memorial School in Gruetli-Laager. The parking lot is at the end of 55th Avenue, about three miles north of State Highway 108. Collins Gulf is notable for Suter Falls and Horsepound Falls, as well as the historic McMinnville-to-Chattanooga stagecoach trail. It is also a spectacular area for spring woodland wildflowers.
Some Important Reminders
All backpackers on overnight trips must register online before accessing the park. All overnight camping requires advance online reservations. Camp only in designated campgrounds. Check-in time for camping is 12:00 pm (Central); check-out time is 10:00 am (Central). Your camping receipt or name associated with reservation MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is parked overnight. The gathering of firewood is limited to dead materials on the ground. Fires are permitted in established fire rings only. Don’t move fire rings, burn trash, or leave a fire unattended. Quiet Hours in all campgrounds are between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
All rock climbing requires advance online registration. At Stone Door, climbing and rappelling is only allowed in the designated climbing area. In the Fiery Gizzard, climbing is restricted to the routes in Foster Falls climbing area only. At Denny Cove, climbing is restricted to the climbing routes on the north cliff face. Rappelling is not allowed except at Stone Door.
Hiking after dark is against park rules. It is a risky proposition, particularly on this park's rocky trails. Bluffs and other steep drop-offs are extremely hard to see at night. That said, you might find yourself out in the park after dark: Accidents can happen; you might misjudge how long it will take to reach your destination; or you might take a wrong turn on a trail. Be prepared to hike out after dark if you have to. Even on day trips, carry a good flashlight with fresh batteries and a spare bulb, or even better, an LED flashlight. Using your smartphone as a flashlight is a bad idea; the battery will run down far too quickly to be a reliable light source. If you don't have a flashlight, the best bet is to stay put, call 911 for help (if you can get a cell signal), and sit it out until dawn, or until someone finds you.
South Cumberland State Park is an ecological sanctuary, and all features including plants and animals (living and dead), rocks, minerals, artifacts and fossils are protected by Tennessee State Law. Leave them as you find them. Violators are subject to prosecution.
As in any wilderness environment, obvious hazards exist. Visitors are reminded to exercise care, stay on marked trails and be adequately prepared for backcountry trips. Filter all stream and spring source drinking water. Use special caution when approaching high bluffs. Be careful with fires and help keep your state park beautiful and natural.
All backpackers on overnight trips must register online before accessing the park. All overnight camping requires advance online reservations. Camp only in designated campgrounds. Check-in time for camping is 12:00 pm (Central); check-out time is 10:00 am (Central). Your camping receipt or name associated with reservation MUST be placed in the dash of each vehicle that is parked overnight. The gathering of firewood is limited to dead materials on the ground. Fires are permitted in established fire rings only. Don’t move fire rings, burn trash, or leave a fire unattended. Quiet Hours in all campgrounds are between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
All rock climbing requires advance online registration. At Stone Door, climbing and rappelling is only allowed in the designated climbing area. In the Fiery Gizzard, climbing is restricted to the routes in Foster Falls climbing area only. At Denny Cove, climbing is restricted to the climbing routes on the north cliff face. Rappelling is not allowed except at Stone Door.
Hiking after dark is against park rules. It is a risky proposition, particularly on this park's rocky trails. Bluffs and other steep drop-offs are extremely hard to see at night. That said, you might find yourself out in the park after dark: Accidents can happen; you might misjudge how long it will take to reach your destination; or you might take a wrong turn on a trail. Be prepared to hike out after dark if you have to. Even on day trips, carry a good flashlight with fresh batteries and a spare bulb, or even better, an LED flashlight. Using your smartphone as a flashlight is a bad idea; the battery will run down far too quickly to be a reliable light source. If you don't have a flashlight, the best bet is to stay put, call 911 for help (if you can get a cell signal), and sit it out until dawn, or until someone finds you.
South Cumberland State Park is an ecological sanctuary, and all features including plants and animals (living and dead), rocks, minerals, artifacts and fossils are protected by Tennessee State Law. Leave them as you find them. Violators are subject to prosecution.
As in any wilderness environment, obvious hazards exist. Visitors are reminded to exercise care, stay on marked trails and be adequately prepared for backcountry trips. Filter all stream and spring source drinking water. Use special caution when approaching high bluffs. Be careful with fires and help keep your state park beautiful and natural.
