Grundy Forest State Natural Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
🌊 Visit Grundy Forest SNA
Gateway to the Fiery Gizzard Trail — old-growth gorge, waterfalls, and Blue Hole swimming.
