1. Introduction
Nestled in the heart of South Cumberland State Park, the Fiery Gizzard Trail is one of the most acclaimed hikes in the southeastern United States. Stretching for 12.5 miles between Grundy Forest and Foster Falls, the trail blends stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, deep gorges, and some of the most rugged terrain you’ll find outside the Smokies.
Rated as both one of the “Top 25 Hikes in the U.S.” by Backpacker Magazine and a local rite of passage for Tennessee hikers, this trail lives up to its fiery reputation. Expect steep climbs, ankle-twisting boulder fields, and roots galore — but also some of the best scenery in the Southeast.
Whether you’re tackling the entire point-to-point thru-hike or enjoying a shorter loop, the Fiery Gizzard offers a wild taste of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau.
2. Trail Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 12.5 miles (point-to-point) |
| Elevation Gain | ~1,800 feet total |
| Difficulty | Strenuous (rock scrambles, steep climbs, uneven footing) |
| Typical Duration | 1 day thru-hike (6–9 hrs) or 2 days backpacking |
| Best Direction | Either (Grundy → Foster Falls is slightly more scenic finish) |
| Highest Point | ~1,920 ft on the Cumberland Plateau rim |
3. Best Time to Hike
- Spring (March–May): Lush waterfalls, wildflowers, and cooler temps. Best season overall.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, buggy, and slippery rocks. Avoid peak afternoons.
- Fall (September–November): Brilliant foliage, moderate temps, less crowds.
- Winter (December–February): Quiet trail, icy waterfalls, and fewer bugs — but slippery footing.
4. Permits & Regulations
- No permit required for day hikes.
- Backcountry camping requires a free permit (South Cumberland State Park).
- Fires allowed only in designated campsites.
- Dogs allowed but must be leashed (rugged terrain can be hard for pets).
- Group size limit: 12 people.
5. Getting There
- Northern Terminus (Grundy Forest): Near Tracy City, TN. Parking lot with restrooms.
- Southern Terminus (Foster Falls): Near Jasper, TN. Larger lot, campground, restrooms, and cliffside overlook.
- Nearest Airports: Chattanooga (1 hr), Nashville (1.5 hrs), Atlanta (2 hrs).
- Shuttle Options: No official shuttle — hikers often arrange a car shuttle with friends or use local outfitters in Chattanooga.
6. Trail Highlights
- Sycamore Falls & Blue Hole Falls: Early cascades near Grundy Forest.
- Raven Point: A sweeping bluff overlook and prime camping area.
- Fiery Gizzard Creek: Rugged stream crossings and swimming holes.
- Chimney Rocks: Towering sandstone pinnacles along the rim.
- Foster Falls: A 60-foot waterfall that provides the trail’s dramatic finale.
7. Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Thru-Hike (Strenuous)
- Start at Grundy Forest and hike to Foster Falls in 6–9 hrs. Since this hike is not a loop, you will have to arrange a shuttle to return. We recommend taking two cars if possible or arranging a shuttle through a local service like ride sharing apps.
2-Day Backpacking Trip
- Day 1: Grundy → Raven Point Campsite (7.5 mi)
- Day 2: Raven Point → Foster Falls (5 mi, includes Chimney Rocks & final descent)
Day Loops (For Shorter Adventures)
- Fiery Gizzard Loop (Grundy side): 9.3 mi, includes waterfalls.
- Climber’s Loop (Foster Falls side): 1.6 mi, great for rock climbing areas and views of Foster Falls.
8. Camping & Gear
- Designated Campsites: Backcountry permit required.
- Water: Abundant streams, but must filter
- Gear Recommendations:
- Hiking poles for rocky footing
- Waterproof boots (slick sandstone and creek crossings)
- Bug protection (ticks & mosquitoes in summer)
- Hammock or lightweight tent (limited flat tent sites)
9. Costs
| Expense | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | Free | Free |
| Camping permit | Free | Free |
| Shuttle (informal) | $20–$60 | $60+ |
| Local lodging | $70 | $160 |
10. Final Thoughts
The Fiery Gizzard Trail isn’t just a hike — it’s an adventure. The combination of waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and rugged boulder fields makes it one of the most memorable trails in the Southeast. While its name might sound intimidating, the challenge is part of its charm. With the right preparation, this trail delivers everything you want in a Tennessee backcountry trek: beauty, toughness, and a sense of wildness that lingers long after you leave the gorge.
Trailside Vitals 
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