Fiery Gizzard Trail

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The Fiery Gizzard Trail connects Foster Falls in Marion County with Grundy Forest near Tracy City. It is in Fiery Gizzard State Park, which was part of South Cumberland State Park. Older maps and signs may still use that name.

Why it takes all day

The elevation is manageable. The footing is what slows people down. Long stretches cross boulder fields, where you step over and between car-sized blocks of sandstone. Add creek crossings, roots and wet rock near the waterfalls, and most hikers move at 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. People who plan for four hours finish in the dark.

Three ways to hike it

Grundy Forest to Raven Point and back. Roughly nine miles round trip, with the waterfalls, the gorge and the best overlook on the route. You do not need a shuttle. Raven Point is a rock promontory with a long view down the plateau, and there is room to sit, eat and hang a hammock. The view is at its best in fall color.

A short walk north from Foster Falls. Park at Foster Falls, see the waterfall, then walk a mile or two up the trail and turn around. This is the easier end and the better choice with kids. You can swim afterwards.

The full 12.5 miles. Leave a car at each end or arrange a shuttle. Start at sunrise and carry a headlamp anyway.

If you only have an hour or two at the Grundy Forest end, the Day Loop Trail to Sycamore Falls is the short option.

What to bring

• Hiking shoes with ankle support and real grip. Smooth soles do not work here. Locals suggest packing duct tape in case a shoe comes apart.
• More water than seems sensible. There is no reliable treated water on the route.
• Food for a full day.
• A paper map or one saved to your phone. Cell service is limited, GPS may not work, and it is easy to lose the trail.
• Trekking poles. They save your knees in the boulder fields. On the steep climbs you will also be grabbing trees for balance.
• An extra layer, a small first aid kit and a headlamp.

Venomous snakes live in the area. Watch where you put your hands and feet.

When to go

October and November bring fall color and cool air. April has the most water in the creek and falls. Midsummer is humid and slow. In midwinter the rock gets slick and dangerous.

Sections of the trail have been rerouted in the past and closures happen. Check with the park at (931) 924-2980 before you go.

Camping on the trail

Every campsite needs a reservation, made at reserve.tnstateparks.com.

• Foster Falls Campground. 25 sites at the southern trailhead, with a bathhouse and heated showers. It is the only campground on the trail where you can park at your site.
• Father Adamz. Backcountry, half a mile from the Foster Falls lot. Eight sites plus a group site for up to 30 people.
• Small Wilds. Backcountry, 2.5 miles from Foster Falls. Six sites and a group site, with an outhouse. The water source is currently unavailable, so carry what you need.
• Little Cove. Backcountry, 6 miles from Foster Falls. Five sites and a group site. The water source is currently unavailable.
• Grundy Forest. Backcountry, at the northern end. Five sites and a group site.

See Camping & RVs for details on each.

Visitor center

The park visitor center is on US-41 between Monteagle and Tracy City. Take I-24 to Exit 134 and follow US-41 for about 3.5 miles. It is on the left.