IntroductionLying atop the Cumberland Plateau, the largest remaining forested plateau in the continental United States, South Cumberland State Park includes some of Tennessee’s most diverse and breathtaking scenery. The park contains a small RV campground and several primitive campgrounds for backcountry camping. Show
South Cumberland State Park is located within four different counties in Tennessee. The park’s 30,845 acres of land features both natural and historic treasures along with 90 miles of hiking trails. Although the park consists of nine separate tracts scattered across several counties, it’s managed as a single park. Clustered in three units, the tracts include Savage Gulf in Grundy and Sequatchie Counties, Fiery Gizzard in Grundy and Marion counties, and Sherwood Forest in Franklin County. A hiker’s dream, multiple trailheads can be accessed from different areas within the park, and detailed maps can be found at the South Cumberland Visitor Center, the Stone Door Ranger Station, and the Savage Gulf Ranger Station. There is plenty to do at South Cumberland State Park in addition to hiking. The rock formations make this park ideal for rock climbing and rappelling. Caves and historic ruins can be found throughout the park along with waterfalls and wildlife. Simply park your RV and enjoy your stay! South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee’s largest at over 30,800 acres, is comprised of nine units scattered over four counties. The largest of these units is the 18,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Grundy County. Owned by the state since 1973, it protects one of the last-known stands of virgin timber in the eastern U.S. and contains approximately 55 miles of hiking trails. Several trails, providing a half-dozen or more hike options, can be accessed from the Stone Door Ranger Station.  Hikes available from the Stone Door trailhead range from less than half a mile on wheelchair-accessible pavement to long, strenuous backpack treks and various levels in between. Stone Door TrailAt just less than a mile each way, this easy trail, paved for the first 0.2 miles to the Laurel Gulf Overlook, passes a walk-in campground and takes you to the Stone Door Overlook, with its expansive gulf views. Big Creek Rim TrailBeginning at the Stone Door, this trail follows fairly close to the bluff for 3.2 miles to the Alum Gap Campground, passing several scenic overlooks along the way, and is an 8.2-mile out-and-back hike. Big Creek Gulf TrailDropping down through the Stone Door, this 4-mile trail has a somewhat-rugged descent to the bottom of Big Creek Gulf, then follows Big Creek, eventually ascending out of the gulf using an old logging road for a more gradual climb, ending near the Alum Gap Campground. From here, you’ll probably want to take either the Big Creek Rim Trail or the Laurel Trail back to your starting point. Laurel TrailAt 2.9 miles, the Laurel Trail goes from the Stone Door Ranger Station to the Alum Gap Campground. It takes a more inland route, going through less dramatic, slightly rolling forest terrain. The Laurel Trail makes a good return option for either the Big Creek Gulf Trail or the Big Creek Rim Trail. For the latter, that would make a 7-mile hike. Connector Trail to Cator Savage Cabin and Sawmill CampgroundRecommended Shorter HikeFor those looking for something more level and in the 5-mile range, I recommend taking the Big Creek Rim Trail for 1.6 miles beyond the Stone Door to the Sinks Overlook and returning via the same route. The overlook is unmarked on the trail but is shown on the trail map and is hard to miss, as it’s directly on the trail. Finally, an added bonus to any of these hikes would be to take the 0.3-mile loop trail from the ranger station to Laurel Falls. For more information about the park, visit the Friends of South Cumberland website. View a trail map here. Get directions here. Trail maps can be picked up at the Stone Door trailhead, as well as at the South Cumberland State Park Visitors Center in Monteagle. Article written by Bob Butters Are there bears in South Cumberland State Park?A common question we get here at South Cumberland is "Do you have Bears?" and the answer is... YES! While we don't have a large population, we do have Black Bears in the area. This one was spotted on SR 399 right outside of the Savage Gulf Ranger Station.
Is the Fiery Gizzard Trail still open?The Fiery Gizzard Trail is still closed from Raven's Point to Small Wilds campground due to wildfire damage. Do not attempt to through hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail. A fire ban is still in effect in all campgrounds until further notice.
Can you camp at Fiery Gizzard?South Cumberland boasts over 90 miles of backpacking trails with 93 campsites, eight group sites, and one rustic lodge, the Hobbs Cabin. These campsites are located within 12 designated backcountry campgrounds across the Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf trail systems.
Are dogs allowed at South Cumberland State Park?South Cumberland State Park
Dogs are allowed on trails within the park, but must be kept on a leash. Take your dog along the Savage Day Loop Trail for a moderate 4.2-mile round-trip hike along the eastern prong of the Savage Gulf canyon area.
|
Sawmill campsite South Cumberland State Park
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 ShotOnMac Inc.
