🌤 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, 6 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 — the north trailhead of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, inside Fiery Gizzard State Park
Grundy Forest State Natural Area protects 241 acres near Tracy City in Grundy County, Tennessee, around the north end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. It lies inside Fiery Gizzard State Park, which was called South Cumberland State Park until October 2025. The 2-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop, rated moderate, passes waterfalls, a historic Civilian Conservation Corps area and swimming holes.
From the same trailhead, the Fiery Gizzard Trail runs 12.8 miles one way to Foster Falls and is rated hard. At the trailhead you find a picnic pavilion, restrooms and an information kiosk.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tracy City, TN (Fiery Gizzard State Park) |
| Size | 241 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Day Loop | 2 miles, moderate |
| Fiery Gizzard Trail | 12.8 mi to Foster Falls (one way, hard) |
| Facilities | Picnic pavilion, restrooms, trailhead kiosk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at Grundy Forest?
The park describes swimming holes along the Grundy Forest Day Loop; there are no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk.
Is Grundy Forest part of a state park?
Yes. Grundy Forest State Natural Area lies inside Fiery Gizzard State Park, which Tennessee dedicated under that name in October 2025; before that it was part of South Cumberland State Park.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fiery Gizzard Trail (starts here) and Fiery Gizzard State Park (visitor center about 2.5 miles west).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Tennessee state parks online at reserve.tnstateparks.com.
🌊 Visit Grundy Forest SNA
North trailhead of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, with the Grundy Forest Day Loop, waterfalls and swimming holes.
Insider Tips
Short or long: The 2-mile Grundy Forest Day Loop is the short option. The full Fiery Gizzard Trail needs a car shuttle to Foster Falls. More views: The Dog Hole Trail (2.85 miles, moderate) leads to Werner Point Overlook, Yellow Pine Falls and the swimming hole at Sycamore Falls.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Waterfall peak flow and wildflowers. Summer: Swimming holes and shade. Fall: Foliage. Winter: Ice on the falls in cold spells.
Nearby Attractions
Tracy City — adjacent. Fiery Gizzard State Park — surrounding. Sewanee — about 10 miles west, home of the University of the South. Fiery Gizzard Trail — starts here.
Source: Tennessee State Parks map, trail and campsite data (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation), as of October 2026.
🐾 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 Map
Plan your gear for Grundy Forest State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
