Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park is widely regarded as one of the finest long-distance day hikes in Tennessee, traversing 12.5 miles one-way across the rugged Cumberland Plateau through three gorge systems, past multiple waterfalls, and across miles of exposed sandstone terrain in Marion and Grundy counties. The southern trailhead is at the Grundy Forest Day Use Area on Fiery Gizzard Road, approximately 7 miles south of Tracy City on US-41. The northern terminus is at Foster Falls Recreation Area, 12.5 miles away. Because the trail runs point-to-point, a vehicle shuttle or pickup is required at Foster Falls; shuttle arrangements through local outfitters including Sewanee Trekkers are an option.
From Grundy Forest, the trail descends immediately into the upper Fiery Gizzard gorge, following Fiery Gizzard Creek through dense hemlock and mixed hardwood forest. The creek is crossed more than 15 times on stepping stones and rock hops throughout the route; waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Key geological landmarks include Sycamore Falls at mile 1.2, Blue Hole Falls at mile 2.5, and Chimney Rocks—a formation of sandstone pillars—at mile 4. A connector spur at Raven Point near mile 8.5 leads to an exposed bluff-top overlook with sweeping panoramas of the gorge below.
The trail alternates between forested gorge floor and exposed sandstone bluffs, with approximately 2,000 feet of cumulative elevation change across the full length. Rock surfaces require careful attention to footing—slick quartzite and sandstone demand respect, particularly after rain or in autumn when wet leaves cover the stone. No potable water sources exist on the trail; carrying a minimum of 3 liters is standard recommendation for the full through-hike.
The Fiery Gizzard corridor is managed by the Tennessee State Parks system. No trail permit is required. The trail's unusual name is traditionally attributed to frontiersman Davy Crockett, who allegedly cooked a turkey in the gorge and praised the gizzard it produced.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- South Cumberland State Park, Marion / Grundy County
- Best season
- October (spectacular fall foliage) and April–May (waterfalls and wildflowers)
What to bring
- Waterproof boots (multiple stream crossings)
- Poles required for rocky terrain
- 3L water
- Lunch
- Emergency kit for remote sections
Location
Grundy Forest Day Use Area, Fiery Gizzard Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387
35.2568, -85.7098 View on map
Highlights
- Sycamore Falls at mile 1.2 and Blue Hole Falls at mile 2.5 among multiple cascades along the 12.5-mile corridor
- Chimney Rocks—distinctive sandstone pillars rising from the gorge walls at mile 4
- Raven Point bluff-top overlook with sweeping Cumberland Plateau gorge panorama near mile 8.5
- More than 15 creek crossings through the remote Fiery Gizzard Creek gorge
- October fall foliage transforms the gorge into one of the most vivid natural corridors in Tennessee
Tips for visiting
- Arrange a vehicle shuttle or pickup at Foster Falls before starting—the trail is 12.5 miles one-way with no loop option
- Wear waterproof boots; 15 or more creek crossings make dry feet impossible in any season
- Carry at least 3 liters of water—no potable sources exist on the trail and the full distance takes 6 to 9 hours
- October is the prime month for fall foliage and stable temperatures; April through May offers waterfalls at peak flow with wildflowers
- Download an offline topo map before departure—cell coverage is unreliable through most of the gorge
- Budget extra time for the rocky terrain; 2,000 ft of cumulative elevation change makes this harder than the mileage suggests
When to visit
October offers the best combination of cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage through the gorge corridor. April and May provide waterfalls at peak flow with wildflowers along the creek. Avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain when creek levels rise rapidly and sandstone surfaces become dangerously slick.
Accessibility
Fiery Gizzard Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible at any point. The trail involves rocky and root-covered terrain, more than 15 creek crossings on stepping stones, and sustained gorge scrambling unsuitable for any wheeled mobility device. The Foster Falls day use area has a paved overlook accessible to wheelchairs that provides a view of Foster Falls without entering the gorge.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fiery Gizzard Trail a loop or one-way?
The main corridor is 12.5 miles one-way from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls, requiring a vehicle shuttle. Shorter out-and-back options exist for those without shuttle arrangements; Sycamore Falls (2.4 miles RT) and Blue Hole Falls (5 miles RT) are popular partial options.
How difficult is the full Fiery Gizzard through-hike?
The full 12.5-mile through-hike is rated hard to strenuous. Rocky terrain, 15 or more creek crossings, and approximately 2,000 feet of cumulative elevation change make it challenging even for experienced hikers. Allow 6 to 9 hours for the complete trail.
Are there any water sources or services on the trail?
No potable water or facilities exist on the trail itself. Water is available at Grundy Forest Day Use Area at the start and at Foster Falls Recreation Area at the terminus. Carry a minimum of 3 liters.
Is a permit required to hike Fiery Gizzard Trail?
No permit is required. The trail is part of South Cumberland State Park, which is free to access. Camping at backcountry shelters along the route requires registration with Tennessee State Parks.
Where does the name Fiery Gizzard come from?
The name is traditionally attributed to frontiersman Davy Crockett, who allegedly cooked a turkey in the gorge and praised the result. The exact historical basis of the story is debated, but the colorful name has been associated with the gorge for well over a century.