Fiery Gizzard State Park — Attraction in Monteagle

This is in my top 10 of state parks with waterfalls — that says a lot since the only state I’ve not seen is Alaska. I only had 2-days to spend, but I wish I had 5. I did Climbers Loop/Foster Falls, Firey Gizard (the portion at Grundy and Climbers), Grundy, and Sycamore Falls. I was lucky that it had rained the night before my adventure. Climbers loop is challenging for 2/3rds of the trail, leave your dog behind for this one. Grundy, Firery Gizard, Sycamore combo is a better hike for pets as long as they do well with slim rock ledges. I ran into a woman that was causing a safety issue because both she and her dog were stressed out. She was putting me, her dog, and herself in danger and should have turned back. Other than this incident, the hike was amazing. I did Climbers loop at 5pm at the falls, worked my way down, not to many humans at this hour in March, worked my way up to Climbers loop by 5:45 (lots of stops for photos and videos), saw 2-groups of climbers, and got to the easy 1/3rd of the trail for Sunset. The views are stunning and sunset is the perfect time to head back in the correct direction meaning start at the main falls overlook, work your way down to the bottom, climb up to the rock face (challenging), pass the climbers, then the walk is a simple stroll pass the backpacking camp, and over the top of the waterfalls— at this point you have the perfect views for sunset. The next day I had 4-hours to do the Firey Gizard/Grundy/Sycamore combo. I started at 7am and had the place to myself. I did see other hikers at the beginning, but I veered off through the old Military Camp direction so I didn’t see anyone for hours. I’m glad I went this direction. This portion was easy and a nice warm up. The hike became increasingly “moderate” as you reach the creek and falls. It wasn’t enough time. I could have done so much more exploring. You could take a full day, maybe 2 if you choose a connecting trail. I...

So here we are in a new era that involves people reviewing a gorgeous, protected, and well run state park. It's astonishing that people have anything negative to say about....nature. "So I'll go ahead and give the trees and the waterfalls and the breathtaking views eh.....2 stars." Come on people. There is an extremely dedicated staff that maintains these parks only to protect the beauty and wildlife so that you can experience it....FOR FREE (or cheap). National parks are the best idea America ever had and is easily one of the best parts of living in America. If you have trouble finding things, or have trouble camping, or just didn't have a good time, then maybe ask for help from a ranger. Or don't go in nature. Not for everyone, but if you're a human, you're missing out. So please everyone enjoy the overwhelming beauty that we live around and stop rating it 1 star like the world owes you something. Thanks for existing and thanks for all your...

This is one of the best parks I have ever been to! But it is a back country park, I did not know that the first summer I went there. It has 90+ miles of trails, including the Fiery Gizzard which Backpacker magazine features regularly. The waterfalls and stunning overlooks are the prettiest around! But so you guys don't make the same mistake I did, Remember, THIS IS A BACK COUNTRY PARK. There are no park hotels or car camping available. The only overnight facilities available are walk in campsites, some are only a couple hundred feet from the parking lot, others are like 15 miles away! The rangers are all also very friendly and offer regular nature programs for free! I went on a geology hike with one of the rangers and passed another ranger who was giving a rock climbing class! I I cannt wait to go back and I hope you get the chance to...