The Fiery Gizzard Trail is one of the most celebrated hikes in the Southeast. Backpacker Magazine named it one of the top 25 trails in America, and after 12.5 miles of waterfalls, swimming holes, dramatic overlooks, and rugged sandstone terrain, you’ll understand why.
The trail runs from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls—and Foster Falls is just 2 minutes from fosters cabins. Whether you’re planning a thru-hike or looking for shorter day hike options, this is world-class hiking right in the backyard.
Trail Overview
Distance: 12.5 miles point-to-point Difficulty: Strenuous Terrain: Rocky, rugged, with steep sections and stream crossings Trailheads: Grundy Forest (north) and Foster Falls (south)
The Fiery Gizzard Trail is not a casual walk. The terrain is uneven, rocky, and demanding—one section is described as “possibly the most rugged and difficult trail in Tennessee.” But the rewards match the effort: cascading waterfalls, the sweeping views from Raven Point, towering Chimney Rocks, and some of the best swimming holes in the state.
The trail follows Fiery Gizzard Creek through a deep gorge, passing through diverse ecosystems with over 600 species of plants including mountain laurel, hemlock, trillium, and wildflowers that explode in spring.
Getting There
Grundy Forest Trailhead (North)
The northern terminus near Tracy City, TN. From I-24, take exit 134 (Monteagle), head east on US-41A toward Tracy City. Turn right onto Third Street and follow signs to the Grundy Forest parking lot. Restrooms available.
Tip: Stop at the South Cumberland Visitor Center on US-41A for maps and current trail conditions.
Foster Falls Trailhead (South)
The southern terminus, 2 minutes from fosters cabins. From I-24, take exit 134 and follow US-41 south toward Jasper. The Foster Falls parking area is well-signed. Larger parking lot, restrooms, and a campground are available here.
The Full Thru-Hike
Hiking the full 12.5 miles from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls is a bucket-list experience. Most hikers complete it in one long day (8-12 hours depending on pace and stops), though backpacking with an overnight at one of the backcountry campsites is also popular.
What to expect:
- Miles 0-2: Start at Grundy Forest with early waterfalls including Sycamore Falls and Blue Hole Falls. Great swimming holes here.
- Miles 2-5: The trail descends into the gorge, following Fiery Gizzard Creek with multiple stream crossings.
- Miles 5-7: The infamous rugged section—steep climbs, rocky terrain, and the approach to Raven Point.
- Raven Point: A 0.4-mile spur leads to one of the best overlooks in Tennessee. Don’t skip this.
- Miles 7-12.5: The trail follows the plateau rim with more moderate terrain before descending to Foster Falls.
Shuttle logistics: Since this is a point-to-point hike, you’ll need two cars or a shuttle. Drop one car at Foster Falls, drive to Grundy Forest, and hike south to your waiting vehicle. Some hikers arrange rideshares or shuttles through local services.
Shorter Day Hikes
Not ready for the full 12.5 miles? These options let you experience the best of Fiery Gizzard without the commitment.
Grundy Forest Day Loop (2 miles)
A moderate loop starting from the Grundy Forest trailhead. You’ll pass Sycamore Falls, Blue Hole Falls, and historic CCC-era structures. Great swimming holes make this a perfect summer hike. This is also a good option for families.
Raven Point Out-and-Back (9.6 miles)
Start at Grundy Forest and hike 4.8 miles to Raven Point, then return the same way. This gives you the waterfalls, the rugged gorge section, and the iconic overlook without needing a shuttle. It’s a full day, but you get the highlights.
Dog Hole Trail (2.85 miles)
A moderate hike featuring Werner Point overlook and Yellow Pine Falls. Less crowded than the main Fiery Gizzard sections.
Trail Highlights
Sycamore Falls & Blue Hole Falls — Early in the hike from Grundy Forest, these cascades offer some of the best swimming holes on the trail. Bring your swimsuit.
Raven Point — A sweeping bluff overlook with views across the gorge. One of the most photographed spots in South Cumberland. There’s a backcountry campsite here if you’re overnighting.
Chimney Rocks — Towering sandstone pinnacles along the rim. Dramatic and photogenic.
Fiery Gizzard Creek — The trail crosses the creek multiple times. In summer, the pools are perfect for cooling off.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (mid-April to mid-May): Wildflowers are at their peak—trillium, dwarf crested iris, mountain laurel. Waterfalls run full from spring rains. The forest is electric green.
Fall (late October): Fall color on the Cumberland Plateau is stunning. Cooler temperatures make the strenuous sections more comfortable.
Summer: Hot and humid, but the swimming holes make it worthwhile. Start early to beat the heat.
Winter: Quieter trails, but stream crossings can be cold and sections may be icy. Check conditions before heading out.
What to Bring
- Hiking boots — This is not a trail for sneakers. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Plenty of water — There’s no potable water on the trail. Bring more than you think you need.
- Swimsuit — For the swimming holes at Sycamore Falls and Blue Hole.
- Layers — Weather can change, especially on longer hikes.
- Trail map — Cell service is limited. Download offline maps or grab a paper map from the visitor center.
- Trekking poles — Helpful for the steep and rocky sections.
Permits & Camping
Day hiking: No permit required.
Backcountry camping: Free permit required from South Cumberland State Park. There are four designated camping areas along the trail, including one at Raven Point. Fires are allowed only in designated sites. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed—note that the rugged terrain can be tough on pets. Group size limit is 12.
Where to Stay
fosters cabins are the ideal base for hiking Fiery Gizzard. Located 2 minutes from the Foster Falls trailhead, you can finish your thru-hike and be at your cabin within minutes.
For day hikers, the cabins put you close to both the Foster Falls and Grundy Forest access points. Spend a weekend exploring different sections of the trail, then recover in a quiet woodland cabin with a full kitchen, WiFi, and comfortable beds.
The cabins are also perfect for combining hiking with climbing—Foster Falls, Denny Cove, and Castle Rock are all nearby.
Planning a hiking trip to South Cumberland? Book a cabin and make fosters cabins your home base for exploring the Fiery Gizzard Trail.