| South Cumberland Recreation Area |
| South Cumberland Recreation Area covers a vast expanse of the Southern Cumberland Plateau in Southeastern Tennessee. The park is comprised of 10 areas spread out in 4 different counties. Each area is unique and worth a visit. If you live nearby, this area can be visited numerous times without seeing the same thing twice. If you are coming in from out of town, be prepared to stay for a long weekend to see all of the beautiful sights in South Cumberland. |
| South Cumberland Visitors Center |
| Located on Highway 41 just past Monteagle, the visitors center is the gateway to the rest of the attractions. A nice museum about the Cumberland plateau is found here, as well as some of the friendliest staff that we have experienced. The ranger that was there the day we visited was very knowledgeable and helpful. He left a good first impression for our visit to the park. In addition to the museum, the visitors center offers picnic areas, restrooms, a ball field, tennis courts, a playground, basketball court, and nature trails. Excellent maps and area guides can be found here, as well as the most important feature, getting directions! |
| Savage Gulf Natural Area |
| Savage Gulf is a 14,500 acre wilderness area that features over 680 plant species, rugged surroundings, wildlife, rivers and gorges. One of the gorges plummets over 800 feet below the Plateau. A 500 acre strand of virgin forest exists in the park, and is listed as a National Natural Landmark. Hiking (over 55 miles of trails), picnicking, rock climbing, camping, and sightseeing are popular activities in this area. A ranger station is located at the entrance to the area. |
| Stone Door |
| The Stone Door is a crevice leading from the top of a bluff that provides access to the valley below. The Stone Door was used by Native Americans as part of the Chickamauga Path. The Stone Door Trail is only 1 mile each way from the trail head near Beersheeba, TN. The first 0.2 miles of the trail is paved, providing wheelchair access to a nice overlook of Savage Gulf. The remaining 0.8 is an easy walk through the forest to the Stone Door. Some stunning vistas can be experienced before entering the Stone Door. Before you leave, take the short side trail by the ranger station takes you to lovely Laurel Falls. |
| Grundy Lakes State Park |
| Coal was mined here by convicts until 1896. The original Lone Rock Coke Ovens are preserved here for viewing. The park has 4 small lakes and is a popular day use area for swimming, picknicking, and hiking. Grundy Lakes has a public beach, basketball courts, a playground, and restrooms. |
| Fiery Gizzard Trail Map Click map to enlarge Thanks to TDEC for the Map! |
| Foster Falls |
| Foster Falls is a 60 foot waterfall surrounded by a lush forest and wildflowers. A large area below the falls is great for swimming, and this is one of the best rock climbing destinations in the South. There is a short trail to a nice overlook of Foster Falls, but be sure to take the trail to the base of the falls. The trail is somewhat steep, but is not difficult. |
| Greeter Falls |
| This two-tiered waterfall is accessible by a trailhead near Altamont, TN. The hike is only 0.8 miles each way. The upper portion of the trail is very easy, but along the lower portion are some steep drops along the side of the trail. Also, you must take a winding metal staircase to get down the face of a small bluff (approx. 15'). The bottom involves some rock hopping, but the view, the sounds, and the seclusion are nature at it's best. |
| Savage Gulf Trail Map Click map to enlarge Thanks to TDEC for the Map! |
| South Cumberland State Park Contact Information: Route 1, Box 2196 Monteagle, Tennessee 37356 1-931-924-2980 Stone Door: 1-931-692-3887 Savage Gulf: 1-931-770-3532 |
| Sewanee Natural Bridge |
| A short, easy hike will take you to this 25 foot natural sandstone arch. There is a wetwater spring behind the arch that helped to form a sinkhole from which the arch was created. The trail will take you over the bridge to the forest below. This 3 acre area, donated by the University of the South, is a State Natural Area. |
| South Cumberland Area Map Click on Map to enlarge Thanks to TDEC for the Map! |
| Fiery Gizzard Trail |
| This is a difficult, rugged, challenging trail that showcases the diverse beauty of the Cumberland Plateau. Swimming holes, rocks the size of houses, waterfalls, deep bluffs, a moonshine still, spectacular overlooks, and caves can be found along this 12.5 mile trail. |
| Buggytop Cave Tours |
| A 2 mile hike takes you to the massive entrance of Lost Cove Cave. The hike is moderate due to elevation change and the rocks inside the cave. The cave mouth is 100' wide by 80' high, and is open for exploration. Guides are available and recommended. |
| Tennessee Outdoor Information Click on a topic to explore more Outdoors in Tennessee! |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Search Outdoors In Tennessee |