Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard Trail

[BJett]

Located northwest of Chattanooga, TN the South Cumberland State Park system is simply spectacular...hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing...its got something for everyone. Separated into 9 areas in 4 different counties, 31,000 acres total. Foster Falls and the Fiery Gizzard Trail are two very popular areas full of waterfalls, great hiking and rock climbing around Foster Falls. A few backcountry campgrounds require hiking in, and the Foster Falls CG is fantastic during the week with no crowds. These places are best in the spring and after it rains, in the dry summer months a lot of the water disappears into sinkholes.
The Fiery Gizzard is a 13 mile world class hike. You can thru hike it with a shuttle from Tracy City to Foster Falls, or do what I did and hike a 10 mile loop to Ravens Point and back. Challenging trail but one of the southeasts best.

South Cumberland State Park - TN


A short steep hike brings you to this beauty of a scene. Foster Falls in the background.










Blue Hole Falls along the Fiery Gizzard


Sycamore Falls on the Fiery Gizzard trail


Sycamore Falls


Ravens Point overlook


Big Fiery Gizzard Creek

 

[Miya]

Extremely beautiful! Looks so peaceful.
Thanks for sharing, I always love seeing falls.

 

[wsp_scott]

I've been wanting to check out Fiery Gizzard for a while now, but I always end up going somewhere where I can hike more mile. Your photos make me think I should move it back toward the top of my todo list.

 

[BJett]

@wsp_scott definitely check it out! that 10 mile hike is amazing, but go when there's water. Foster Falls is a great place to chill for a day and hike around that southern part of the Fiery Gizzard.
The crown jewel of this state park system is Savage Gulf, I think you've been there?
Also, Virgin Falls State Natural Area. Off the map, very quiet on weekdays. Great backcountry camping.

 

[Langdon Greene]

Nice photos!

I've been there many times.... 2 of my grandkids (and their parents) live just a few miles away, so when we are up there visiting, this is one of our favorite dayhike locations.