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A strenuous, 12.5 mile, one-way trail that is considered one of the top 25 trails in the US.


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Map Key

12.2

Miles

19.7

KM

95%

Runnable

1,878' 572 m

High

1,385' 422 m

Low

1,097' 334 m

Up

979' 298 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Follow along the Fiery Gizzard Creek, chasing waterfalls, experiencing stunning overlooks, and working your way through old growth forests.

Need to Know

Please note that this route isn't an out an back, and you'll either want to arrange to leave a car at each end of the trail or plan to camp along the way.

Runner Notes

Watch out for rocks and roots, especially around the streams and waterfalls. Steep, rocky climbs dominate the trail at some points.

Description

Beginning at the Foster Falls parking lot, witness the 60 foot waterfall at the start. From the overlook, go to the right and cross the bridge to start the trail. Continue on the Fiery Gizzard Trail as it leads you deep into the old growth forest, coming across many creeks that fall off the rock ledges that dot the landscape. Don't worry, there are bridge crossings for each creek, and the views atop the waterfalls are stunning.

After traveling 2.5 miles, you'll come across a backcountry campsite. From there, you'll descend into a gorge and climb back up on the other side along the strenuous trail. You'll continue deep into the lush forest before coming into the Grundy forest. You can stop at Ravens Point, 5 miles to the Grundy Day Loop parking lot, for an unbelievable view.

Advance onto Sycamore Falls and where you'll find a few more stunning waterfalls, cascading streams and swimming holes. There's a slight incline on the way back towards the parking lot of the Grundy Forest.

Flora & Fauna

Old growth forests shade your journey.

Contacts

Land Manager: Tennessee State Parks

Shared By:

John Mason Harbison

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 42 votes

#209

Overall
  4.9 from 42 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in Tennessee

#209

Overall
124 Views Last Month
22,274 Since Apr 11, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
3%
0%
82%
15%

Photos

Foster Falls
Apr 7, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
A cascade along Fiery Gizzard.
Apr 28, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
Sycamore Falls found in the Grundy Forest along the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
Apr 12, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
A small creek that flows off the edge along the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
Apr 12, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
The view down valley from Fiery Gizzard.
Apr 28, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
Fiery Gizzard Trail in Grundy Forest State Natural Area
Apr 28, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
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