Savage Gulf State Park — Attraction in Dunlap

South Cumberland State Park is located within four different Tennessee counties: Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie. The park is composed of approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a 12.5 mile long one-way trail that connects the Grundy Forest and Foster Falls. Hikers may observe nature, swim in Fiery Gizzard Creek, see spectacular rock formations, cascading streams, waterfalls, rocky gorges, panoramic overlooks and lush woodlands. This trail has been rated by Backpacker magazine as one of the Top 25 in the country and should not be missed! The Savage Gulf and Stone Door areas of the park offer approximately 55 miles of hiking to remarkable vistas, waterfalls and historical locations such as the Stage Coach Road. The Great Stone Door is an impressive cliff line overlooking the Savage Gulf. It gets its name from a crack in the cliff that runs from the top to the bottom that looks like a door left slightly ajar. This is one of the many ways to access the gulf below. Many of the trails are perfect for wildflower hunts as the hiker traverses the different environs of the top of the plateau and the deep gulfs. Carter Natural Area is part of a unique 18,000-acre enclosed-valley sinkhole aptly named Lost Cove. Dense forests, clear streams the striking Buggytop Cave entrance, one of the largest cave openings in the state, are a few of the features found here. Sewanee Natural Bridge is a beautiful sandstone arch that overlooks Lost Cove and is an easy hike from the parking lot. Grundy Lakes, a day-use area near Tracy City, provides swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking and a view of 19th century coke ovens. The visitor’s center has interpretative exhibits and provides information on each component of the South Cumberland State Park and is a great place to picnic before beginning the adventure. Also located just outside the visitor’s center are various recreation fields (Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Horseshoes, Tennis, and Baseball) and equipment can be rented for free from the front desk. South Cumberland State Park has four picnic pavilions for larger parties that can be reserved in advance. There are also eight other small picnic areas with grills located throughout the park. Camping at the Foster Falls Campground and backcountry camping are popular activities at South Cumberland. There are more than 100 backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park. These are primitive, backcountry sites and hiking is required to reach all of them. Reservations are required for all camping, and can be...

Savage Gulf State Park in Tennessee is a nature lover's paradise, earning a solid 5-star rating in my outdoor adventure book. The trails here are a dream for hikers of all levels. From super easy beginner paths for those just starting their hiking journey to challenging trails that satisfy the cravings of seasoned hikers, Savage Gulf caters to all.

What sets this state park apart are the breathtaking views that unfold along the trails. The scenic beauty is unparalleled, with each step revealing new wonders of nature. Whether you're tackling a challenging ascent or strolling through beginner-friendly paths, the landscapes are nothing short of amazing.

The maintenance of the trails is commendable. They are well-marked and well-maintained, making navigation a breeze. It's evident that the park rangers and staff take pride in their work. Their friendliness and willingness to assist visitors add a welcoming touch to the overall experience.

For those looking to extend their stay, the campsites at Savage Gulf are top-notch. Well-equipped and nestled in the heart of nature, they provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the park's beauty.

In essence, Savage Gulf State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse trail options, stunning views, attentive staff, and excellent campsites, it's a gem in Tennessee's natural landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this park offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Mother Nature. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a slice of outdoor paradise...

Beautiful state park with lots of very well-maintained and marked trails. Very easy hiking for beginners to the more experienced backpackers.

Lots of wonderful views, including suspension bridges over streams along the trail and nice lookout spots over the gorge. The backcountry/primitive campsites are well maintained and feature small outhouses. The park ranger is active and came to check on us when the weather turned a bit nasty (cold and rainy).

There is no cell service on the trails so come prepared with a map of the area and maybe a compass. The trails were marked and maintained with enough signage (including distance in miles) that we only used a map to gauge where on our current trail we were -- not because we needed it to find our way.

A note to those heading to Savage Falls campsites - there is a lot of storm damage to the area -- lots of downed trees. The primary entrance to the Savage Falls campsite is blocked by about 30ft of downed trees and debris. The only other entrance is at the opposite end of the loop near the waterfall. It has great views but a pretty vertical staircase with large steps to reach the campsite. Some of the campsites have been cleared but many have downed trees in the middle of them. From what we saw, sites 4-8 (except 5) were reasonably...