Foster Falls Small Wild Area
🌤 Weather at Foster Falls Small Wild Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–74 °F | 61–83 °F | 37–78 °F | 26–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Monteagle, 10 mi away, elevation 1,850 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Foster Falls Small Wild Area is part of Fiery Gizzard State Park (formerly South Cumberland State Park), near South Pittsburg in Marion County, Tennessee. It is not a separate state park. You come here for a 60-foot waterfall, a 26-site campground and a short trail along the bluffs.
Quick Facts
| State | Tennessee |
| Nearest City | South Pittsburg |
| County | Marion County |
Location & Getting There
Foster Falls Small Wild Area is located near South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Things to Do
Tennessee state parks stretch across three distinct regions — the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, the Cumberland Plateau’s gorges and waterfalls in the middle, and the Mississippi River bluffs in the west. Activities include hiking past some of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, swimming in lakes and park pools, fishing in world-class smallmouth bass streams, camping in forested mountain settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking at premier trail systems, golfing at park courses, horseback riding through valleys, and exploring Civil War battlefields and Native American mound sites. Fall Creek Falls (256 feet) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Best Time to Visit
Tennessee parks offer true four-season appeal. Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers, peak waterfall flow, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is warm and humid — lake swimming, park pools, and mountain elevation provide relief. Fall (October–November) is the crown jewel — Tennessee’s fall color rivals New England at a fraction of the crowds, peaking mid-to-late October across the state. Winter (December–February) is mild in West Tennessee and cold in the mountains, offering quiet trails and solitude. The Great Smoky Mountains region experiences peak visitation in summer and October — plan accordingly.
Visitor Tips
Tennessee state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping, cabins, and lodge rooms are available at many parks through tnstateparks.com. Tennessee’s park system is notable for its full-service lodges and restaurants inside parks — including Fall Creek Falls, Pickwick Landing, and Paris Landing. The state’s Unique Stays program offers treehouse rentals, yurts, and tiny homes at select parks. Firewood policy: only certified heat-treated wood or downed wood from within the park is allowed for campfires.
Explore More Tennessee State Parks
Foster Falls Small Wild Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Waterfall & Trail
Foster Falls drops about 60 feet. The 0.8-mile Climbers Access Trail (white blazes, rated moderate) runs along a cliff line and the base of tall bluff walls, passes the falls and connects the Foster Falls and Father Adamz campgrounds. It is open to hikers and climbers. The Foster Falls campground has 26 campsites, with restrooms and a bathhouse. Source: Tennessee State Parks map data, as of October 2026.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park (elsewhere in the state) and Reelfoot Lake State Park (elsewhere in the state).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Foster Falls Small Wild Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Foster Falls Small Wild Area?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Foster Falls Small Wild Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
