🌤 Weather at Grundy Forest State Natural 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, 7 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.
🏆 Fiery Gizzard Trail Gateway — Old-growth hemlock gorge with waterfalls, the jewel of South Cumberland
Grundy Forest State Natural Area is the northern gateway to the legendary Fiery Gizzard Trail — widely considered one of the finest day hikes in the southeastern United States. The natural area itself protects an old-growth hemlock and hardwood forest in a sandstone gorge carved by Fiery Gizzard Creek, with multiple waterfalls cascading over moss-draped ledges into crystal pools. The 2-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop descends into the gorge through cathedral-like hemlock groves to Blue Hole Falls — a turquoise swimming hole beneath a 30-foot curtain falls.
The larger Fiery Gizzard Trail extends 12.5 miles from Grundy Forest to Foster Falls, traversing some of the most dramatic gorge scenery on the Cumberland Plateau. The trail’s unusual name reportedly comes from a campfire dinner where Davy Crockett burned his turkey gizzard.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tracy City, TN (South Cumberland) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Day Loop | 2 miles (Blue Hole Falls) |
| Fiery Gizzard Trail | 12.5 mi to Foster Falls (point-to-point) |
| Forest | Old-growth hemlock gorge |
| Swimming | Blue Hole (natural pool at waterfall) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at Blue Hole?
Yes! Blue Hole is a popular natural swimming hole at the base of a 30-foot waterfall. The water is cold year-round. No lifeguard — swim at your own risk. The pool is reached via the 2-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop.
Where does the name “Fiery Gizzard” come from?
Legend says Davy Crockett burned his tongue on a hot turkey gizzard while camping along the creek. Whether true or not, the unusual name has stuck since the early 1800s. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is consistently rated as one of Tennessee’s best hikes — the combination of waterfalls, gorge scenery, and old-growth forest is outstanding.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fiery Gizzard Trail (a short drive away) and South Cumberland State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Tennessee state parks online at reserve.tnstateparks.com.
🌊 Visit Grundy Forest SNA
Gateway to the Fiery Gizzard Trail — old-growth gorge, waterfalls, and Blue Hole swimming.
Insider Tips
Day loop trail: The 2-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop is one of the finest short hikes in Tennessee — following Fiery Gizzard Creek through a gorge with multiple waterfalls, swimming holes, and old-growth hemlock forest. Pro tip: The Fiery Gizzard Trail (12.3 miles) connects to the Day Loop — rated one of the top 25 trails in the US by Backpacker magazine. Swimming holes: Blue Hole and Sycamore Falls are legendary summer swimming spots.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Waterfall peak flow and wildflowers. Summer: Swimming holes and cool gorge air. Fall: Spectacular gorge foliage. Winter: Frozen waterfalls in cold spells.
Wildlife & Nature
Grundy Forest SNA — the original trailhead of the Fiery Gizzard Trail — features a 2-mile loop through a hemlock-lined gorge with multiple waterfalls including Blue Hole Falls. The park’s old-growth hemlocks, ferns, and mossy boulders create a primeval atmosphere. Woodland salamanders abound.
Nearby Attractions
Tracy City — adjacent. South Cumberland SP — surrounding. Sewanee — 10 miles south — has the University of the South. Fiery Gizzard Trail — starts here.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Grundy Forest State Natural 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 Grundy Forest State Natural 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 Grundy Forest State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
