I had often heard that Fiery Gizzard Trail, near Monteagle and Tracy City, Tennessee, was one of the more popular trails on the Cumberland Plateau. I had also heard it was very rocky. And some even say it is the crown jewel in South Cumberland State Park.

And for one reason or another, despite having hiked all the trails in South Cumberland’s Savage Gulf/Stone Door complex, I had never ventured into this little pocket of trails. This weekend, I walked nearly all the trails in this area, and found out what folks were talking about.

Friday, January 18, 2013

It was a hectic time, getting out of school, then driving straight to the Foster Falls Trailhead near Jasper, Tennessee. There, I filled out my permit and left my truck. My wife, who had followed me, then drove me up to Grundy Forest Trailhead and dropped me off.


There was only about 15 minutes until sundown. Hiking is not allowed after dark on the trails, so I had to move to cover the 6/10ths of a mile to the CCC campsite. There I set up for the night.

(This shot was actually taken the next morning due to such a late arrival.)

I climbed in and relaxed, reading my kindle until I drifted off to sleep.