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Fiery Gizzard

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult
 4.8 (39) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. TN
  3. …Central TN
  4. …Tracy City
  5. Grundy Forest State Natural Area
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“A strenuous, 12.5 mile, one-way trail that is considered one of the top 25 trails in the US. ”

John Mason Harbison
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Map Key

12.2

Miles

19.7

KM

Point to Point

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

Family Friendly Many campgrounds and swimming holes are available along this route for fun in the sun. Be advised that older kids will enjoy the adventure, but it might be too much for younger tots.

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.

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
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 39 votes

#1

in Grundy Forest State Natural Area

#198

Overall
  4.8 from 39 votes
5 Star
85%
4 Star
15%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Grundy Forest State Na…

#8

in Tennessee

#198

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Photos

Foster Falls
Apr 7, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
A cascade along Fiery Gizzard.
Apr 28, 2016 near Tracy City, TN
Crossing the bridge to the base of Foster Falls along the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
Apr 12, 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

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Check-Ins

Oct 5, 2020
Lamarr Stevens
backpacked to the Small Wld campground and set up camp. site 6 was close to the stream to wash up and get water (used lifestraw to drink) Brought… 2.5mi
Jun 6, 2020
Courtney DeClerk
11.5mi
Jan 7, 2020
James Brow
Unbelievable!! 30mi
Aug 31, 2019
Andy Nunnery
Jul 20, 2019
Ran Tao
Hiked 20.27 miles in reality — 10h 54m
May 26, 2019
Gina Johnson
May 16, 2019
Jeffrey Lotz
12mi — 7h 00m
May 15, 2019
Jeffrey Lotz
5mi — 3h 00m

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