Have the outdoors been calling your name? If so, it’s time for a visit to South Cumberland State Park, one of the most impressive state parks I’ve ever seen.  No matter what adventure you’re seeking-caving, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, rock-climbing, or history, you’ll find it in this 100-acre park.  This park isn’t just a day-trip destination. It would take at least a week to visit all the park areas. Even then, you would barely scratch the surface!

South Cumberland State Park

For any fan of state parks or outdoor sports, South Cumberland State Park, located atop Monteagle Mountain between Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee, is a must-visit.  This 30,845-acre park sprawls across four counties; Grundy, Franklin, Marion, and Sequatchie, and includes ten distinct areas. It boasts some of the best hiking in the region, along with twelve waterfalls, several coves, several scenic overlooks, and Buggy Cave.

South Cumberland State Park Activities

South Cumberland State Park Visitor’s Center– Start your visit here. There’s plenty of activities for the entire family at the recreation area. A playground with a nature theme beckons kids to explore, while a sand-volleyball court, and tennis and basketball courts lure older teens. You’ll find covered pavilions and shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and a small museum in this area, along with park maps.  Before leaving the station, take a walk through the Storybook Trail or the Campfire Trail.

Hiking- There’s over 90 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. We took the four-year-old along the Storybook Trail. Sponsored by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, this is an easy 1 to 2-mile walk, depending on if you complete the outer loop. Along the way, you’ll find markers sharing stories from the Native Americans who once roamed the land. A Nature Play Area filled with natural items children can explore-stumps for jumping, a log bridge, even a tree with footholds for climbing-will keep the kids occupied while you relax on one of the shaded benches.

For waterfall fans, the ranger recommended we take the “easy” trail to Foster Falls.  This 6/10^th mile (round-trip) trail begins with a level hike over paved ground. About 100 feet into the trail is a scenic overlook with picturesque views of the falls.  It’s wheelchair accessible and is an easy five to ten-minute stroll from the parking area.

The path to the falls is more difficult. While it’s a short hike, it mostly consists of slippery rocks. At the bottom, you’ll need to cross the swinging bridge and several more slippery rocks to reach the falls. All of us-including the 4-year-old-made it to the bottom with no problem, but I recommend sturdy nonskid closed-toed shoes.  Swimming is permitted in the pool surrounding the falls, but be warned. It is fed by a mountain stream and is cool year-round.  

Foster Falls also has restrooms, a shaded picnic area, and plenty of opportunities for rock-climbing. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, the 12-mile (one-way) Fiery Gizzard South Trail begins here. Connecting Grundy Forest and Foster Falls, Backpacker Magazine has rated it one of the top 25 trails in the US.

Denny Cove offers another easy hike. We took the scenic overlook trail-a level dirt path that winds one mile around the top of the mountain. You’ll find amazing views, but no handrails. There are sharp drop-offs here so be warned if you have small children. For a more challenging hike, try the 13-mile trail that winds down and around the cove.

Fishing– The four Grundy lakes, located 4-miles from the rangers station and minutes from Tracey City, offer shore and wade-in fishing. Lakes range from 1 to 16-acres and are well-stocked with bass, brim, and trout. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Swimming– You’ll find plenty of opportunities for swimming in one of the pools surrounding the waterfalls or in the Grundy Lakes. Caution is encouraged as there are no lifeguards. Jumping from the top of the falls is not permitted.

Caving– Buggy Top Cave is an impressive ecosystem available for exploration between June 1st and August 31st each year. It’s a strenuous two-mile hike to reach the cave, but the cave stretches for a mile into the mountain. A (free) permit is required and visitors must take proper caving gear. Those unfamiliar with the cave are asked to take one of the ranger-led hikes on their first visit.

Rock Climbing– Foster Falls is one of the most popular rock climbing sites in the Southeastern US with 150 climbing routes ranging from beginner to challenging. Denny Cove has over 100 sporting climbs ranging from difficult to strenuous. Both climbing and rappeling are available at the Stone Door area. A permit is required before climbing.

Camping– You’ll find three campsites in the park. Foster Falls has 26 campsites for tents or small trailers, although there are no water or electric hookups available. For those who prefer primitive camping, most of the Savage Gulf Campgrounds has areas that can accommodate groups. Backpackers have 93 campsites, a rustic lodge, and eight group sites spread over a 90 mile area. Reservations are required at all campsites.

Ranger-Led Programs- Monthly events for children and adults are available. Some are free and others require a small fee. The programs vary from year to year and could include “interpretive hikes/walks, canoeing, introductory rock climbing, animal shows, instructional classes, star gazing, and creek critter surveys.” Due to COVID, activities are limited and masks must be worn.

Annual Events- include the Savage Gulf Marathon in March, Trails and Trilliums in April, Wildflowers and Waterfalls in May, and the Hike for Hunger in November.

Tips to Know Before You Go:

*Admission to any Tennessee State Park is free.
*Due to COVID, masks are required to enter the ranger’s station.
*Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
*You can download a park map before your visit here.
*Before you go, download the new FREE Healthy Parks, Healthy Person app available for android and iPhones. By activating it when you enjoy outdoor activities at a park, you can earn rewards such as free overnight stays at one of the park cabins.

*The South Cumberland State Park Welcome Center is located at 11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356. The park office is open from 9 AM until 4 PM daily, although they close for lunch from 12:00 PM until 1 PM.
*Foster Falls is located about fifteen minutes from the South Cumberland Welcome Center at Fiery Gizzard South. The address is 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374.
*Denny’s Cover is located about twenty minutes from the South Cumberland Welcome Center. The address is at 5917 US 41 (TN-150), Sequatchie, TN 37374. A gravel road across from the Foster Falls Volunteer Fire Department, along with a small brown sign, marks the entrance. Look closely or you will miss it.

Have you visited South Cumberland State Park? What was your favorite area? If not, what is your favorite state park?

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