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South Cumberland State Park Fiery Gizzard Area, situated within an easy drive of Tullahoma, located in both Marion and Grundy counties and as part of the greater Cumberland Plateau, is a natural wonder within the surrounding community.

First opened to the public in 1978 and spanning 7,811 acres of protected land, South Cumberland State Park is among one of Tennessee’s ever-growing list of state owned natural parks. Encompassing a wide variety of activities and hiking trails for visitors to experience, the state park itself has no shortage of things to see and do for nature lovers to experience, such as hiking and rock climbing to fishing and even sightseeing the various gorges within the park.

Park Ranger Hannah Sheley noted that many tourists from across Tennessee and even further beyond the state itself visit the park throughout all four seasons of the year, with spring, summer and fall in particular being among the park’s busiest of each year. She also noted that even during the winter months the park receives many visitors who come to see all the natural beauty the area has to offer, despite the colder temperatures.

“You can look around and pretty much every vehicle is from a different state or just some other part of Tennessee. So, we bring in a lot of people from all around that come here to rock climb or hike, and throughout the year too. It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing outside, there’s still people out here on the trail camping,” said Sheley.

Ranger Sheley also explained that the area is home to a large variety of plant and animal life, with many species of bird, snake, salamander, and various mammals that call the protected gorges and forests of the park home. She further added that the area also houses migratory birds and even two endangered species of bat, both gray and brown bats.

One animal that has been increasing in numbers within the area in recent times is the black bear, with bear sightings from across the park going up in numbers since last year alone. Sheley explained that bears have always been present within the area, but over the years their numbers have increased over time due to both habitat loss and their sources of food coming into the area.

“They’re starting to face various things, whether its habitat loss, for people are clearing out areas to build homes or stores or things like that. So, they’re losing habitat, or it might be a food thing. They need to move to find more food,” explained Hannah.

South Cumberland State Park also houses several waterfalls across various parts of the region, including Foster Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the park, standing and flowing downward at a height of 60ft. Other recognizable spots include Grundy Lakes, Denny Cove, Dog Hole Trail, Raven Point Spur and the Fiery Gizzard Trail, the longest trail in the park at a total length of 11.75 miles.

Several trail heads and entry paths that connect and lead into the trail are spread across various points within the area. Currently the plans for the park include revamps made to several sections of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, more planned outreaches to be made with local schools, and even to help make the park’s various campgrounds, restrooms and some of the trails themselves more accessible to those with disabilities, ensuring that all can come and enjoy the natural and scenic beauty of South Cumberland State Park.

The Welcome Center and Park Office is located at 11745 US 41 in Monteagle with the park and trails spanning from Tracy City to Sequatchie. For more information you may reach the park office at (931) 924-2980 or visit tnstateparks.com.