South Cumberland State Park is located within three different Tennessee counties: Grundy, Franklin, and Marion. The park is composed of approximately 12,166 acres and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region. There are lots of areas to explore including Fiery Gizzard, Denny Cove, Lost Cove, and Grundy Lakes.
The South Cumberland State Park Visitor’s Center, located at 11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356, offers interpretative exhibits and provides information on each component of the South Cumberland State Park. The Visitor Center is a great place to have a picnic before beginning your adventure. Also located just outside the visitor’s center are various recreation fields, including basketball, beach volleyball, tennis, bocce ball, and a multi-use field. Equipment can be rented for free from the front desk.
South Cumberland State Park has three picnic pavilions for larger parties that can be reserved online. There are also four other small picnic areas with grills located throughout the park.
Primitive camping at the Foster Falls Campground and backcountry camping are popular activities at South Cumberland. The primitive campsites at Foster Falls are drive-up while all of the backcountry campsites at the park require hiking to reach. Reservations are required for all campsites at the park and can be made online.
Fiery Gizzard
The Fiery Gizzard Trail at South Cumberland State Park is a 12.5-mile-long one-way trail that connects the Grundy Forest and Foster Falls. Hikers may swim in Fiery Gizzard Creek and observe spectacular rock formations, cascading streams, waterfalls, rocky gorges, panoramic overlooks, and lush woodlands. This trail has been rated by Backpacker magazine as one of the Top 25 in the country and should not be missed!
Lost Cove
Carter Natural Area is part of a unique 18,000-acre enclosed valley sinkhole aptly named Lost Cove. Dense forests, clear streams, and the striking Buggytop Cave entrance (one of the largest cave openings in the state) are a few of the features found here.
Sewanee Natural Bridge, located at Lost Cove North, is a beautiful sandstone arch that overlooks Lost Cove and is an easy hike from the parking lot.
Grundy Lakes
Grundy Lakes, a day-use area near Tracy City, provides swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and a view of 19th-century coke ovens.
Denny Cove
Denny Cove is located less than two miles south of Foster Falls. It is home to well over 100 established sport climbing routes, as well as several challenging traditional climbs.
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A variety of videos about South Cumberland are available for viewing on the Tennessee State Park You-Tube Channel. Titles include: Rock Climbing, Butterfly Bonanza, Camp Discover, and Reforging the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
Park Trail Maps
Looking for a trail map? Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. The page includes all the trail maps we have available, organized by park.
Friends of South Cumberland
The Friends of South Cumberland help protect, preserve and promote the natural resources of the park through a variety of efforts. Friends inspire, engage and educate, members and the public, to protect, conserve and enjoy all the resources of the park. Thanks to their generosity and support, South Cumberland continues to be a place of natural beauty and wonder, for all to enjoy.