Trail Notes: Savage Gulf
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On the Cumberland Plateau between the towns of Palmer and Beersheba Springs. From Nashville, Chattanooga or Huntsville drive I-24 to the Monteagle/Sewanee exit (exit 134). Drive into Monteagle and turn onto Hwy 41 (the road isn't marked well, but it's the only major T-intersection in Monteagle). Drive to Tracy City and turn left onto Hwy 56. Follow this road 21 miles to Beersheba Springs. You'll see signs for Savage Gulf before this, but these are for hikes on the gulf's east edge. Continue through Beersheba Springs, but watch for the "Stone Door" sign on your right as you leave town. The turn off leads to the ranger station.
I recommend you first go to the South Cumberland State Recreation Area Visitor's Center, located on Hwy 41 between Monteagle and Tracy City. They have excellent maps and give good advice on hikes. If you're coming from the south, it's on your way.
The hikes described below begin on the west edge of the gulf at the Stone Door Ranger Station. The trailhead is directly adjacent to the Ranger Station.
A few years ago the Tennessee Department of Tourism ran an ad campaign called "Come to Tennessee: They're Playing Your Song!" The campaign featured a TV spot with a really bad actress gazing out over the Tennessee hills. That was Savage Gulf she was looking at. Well, we can't say much for her acting ability, but her choice of hiking spots was impeccable.
Like most of the good hiking spots in southeastern Tennessee, Savage Gulf is a canyon at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. In this case three separate canyons -- Big Creek, Collins and Savage -- join to form an large chasm. Overlooks along the rim of the plateau offer dramatic views into the gulf. Hikes in the area range from easy walks along the edge of the canyon to strenuous hikes down into the gulf itself.
The hike described here has two variations: an easy walk and a difficult trail. The easy walk combines the Stone Door, Big Creek Rim, Greeter and Laurel Trails. The hard walk is the same, but you take the Big Creek Gulf Trail instead of the Big Creek Rim Trail. This takes you down into the gulf and back out, connecting with the Greeter Trail. This means a steep 600 foot descent followed by a long 600 foot climb.
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The Hike: Go right from the Ranger Station on a paved walk. After about a mile you'll come to the Laurel Gulf overlook. The overlook offers your first view into the gulf.
Continue past the overlook for about 3/4 miles to get to the main overlook. This overlook is a series of cliffs and rock outcroppings offering great views. The trail leads on along the rim for about 3/4 miles before reaching the Stone Door. The Big Creek Rim trail continues on at the same pace and the Big Creek Gulf trail branches off from here. Parts of the overlook have split off from the main cliff face, forming a crevice. The Stone Door is the largest of these splits. The trail leads through the gap formed by the rim and the rock. The descent is steep and rocky here.
Keep to your right when you reach bottom. The trail leads along the creek for just over a mile. The creek is pleasant and has several side trails leading to springs and sink holes. After about a mile the trail begins to climb again. The climb is much longer than the descent, but the trail is not as rocky.
When you reach the rim watch for the Greeter Falls trail off to your left. The Laurel and Big Creek Rim trails also intersect about 200 yards further up the trail. Take the Greeter Falls trail, though; it's a worthwhile excursion. This branch trail heads along the plateau for about a mile, then passes along the face of the rim in an easy walk. You'll pass stands of fern and mossy rocks which give the place a primordial feeling. After another half mile you'll come to Greeter Falls. This is a tall waterfall with a large swimming hole at the bottom. It's common to see people swimming here, and after the hike through the gulf you'll probably feel like diving in.
After a break, retrace your steps to the intersection with the Big Creek Gulf trail. Return to the Ranger Station over either the Laurel or Big Creek Rim trails. The Laurel trail is slightly shorter, but has no scenic views.
The park has a number of other trails, including walks on the canyon floor and on the east rim. For more details get a trail map at the South Cumberland Recreation Center.
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Park Office
South Cumberland State Recreation Area Rt. 1, Box 2196 Monteagle, TN 37356 (931) 924-2980 Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area 1441 Laurel Branch Trail Sewanee, Tennessee 37375 |
Hike America: Alabama
The Falcon Guide to Tennessee trails lists several trails for Fall Creek Falls. Recommended. Get it at Amazon.com |
The park has two ranger stations at opposite ends of the gulf. There is campground at each station with minimal facilities. You'll also find primitive campsites at the tip of each of its three canyons, at the mouth of Collins Canyon on the canyon floor, and on the plateau where Collins and Savage Canyons meet.
Camping permits are required and can be obtained at either ranger station.
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This page authored by: Tom Dahm