Foster Falls

Foster Falls drops 60 feet off a sandstone rim into a wide pool at the bottom of a gorge. It sits in Fiery Gizzard State Park, near Sequatchie in Marion County. The park used to be part of South Cumberland State Park, so older maps and signs may still use that name.

The overlook and the trail down

A short path from the parking area leads to an overlook with a view of the falls, the rock walls around it, and the pool below.

The trail to the base leaves the rim and switchbacks down into the gorge. It takes most people about fifteen minutes. Expect rocky footing, stone steps, roots, and a steep section near the bottom that stays slick. Wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.

At the bottom, the gorge opens into a boulder field around the plunge pool. Keep going on the loop and you cross Little Gizzard Creek on a suspension bridge before climbing back to the rim.

Swimming

People swim in the plunge pool all summer. It is wild water, so a few rules apply:

• There is no lifeguard, and cell service in the gorge is unreliable.
• Do not jump or dive. Depth changes with rainfall and there are submerged boulders.
• Stay out after heavy rain. The current at the base gets dangerous.
• The water is cold, even in August.
• Do not climb the falls. The rock above the pool is loose and wet.

The Fiery Gizzard Trail

Foster Falls is the southern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, which runs roughly twelve miles north to Grundy Forest through boulder fields, creek crossings and gorge rim. You can walk a mile or two north from the falls and turn around. The boulder sections are slow and hard on ankles, so allow more time than the mileage suggests.

When to go

Any time after a big rain, Foster Falls is at its best, with far more water coming over the rim. If you plan to swim, stay out until the water calms down.

• Spring (March to May): The most water. Too cold to swim, and the trail is muddy.
• Summer (June to August): Swimming season and the busiest time. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends or come on a weekday.
• Fall (October to November): Fall color, cooler hiking and thinner crowds. Water flow is lower.
• Winter: Quiet. In a hard freeze the falls can partly ice over. Check for weather closures.

Camping at Foster Falls

Foster Falls Campground is at the trailhead, with a bathhouse and heated showers. It takes tents and small trailers only. Reservations are required and open up to a year ahead at reserve.tnstateparks.com. See Camping & RVs for site counts and every other campground in the county.