Fiery Gizzard Loop
A tough but incredibly beautiful hike.
Hiking Severe
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 384 m
- Descent
- 384 m
- Duration
- 3-4 hrs
- Low Point
- 402 m
- High Point
- 562 m
- Gradient
- 10˚
The Fiery Gizzard Loop is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike. Along the way, you'll pass a series of spectacular waterfalls, such as the 60-foot-tall Foster Falls, Sycamore Falls, and more.
Description
After hiking a short stem, the route splits into a long loop. The route, as mapped here, begins by running through the bottom of a narrow canyon before climbing out and returning along the rim of the canyon. According to some reports, the hike through the bottom of the canyon along Big Fiery Gizzard Creek is extremely rough and technical, requiring some scree field scrambling and negotiating boulder fields.
For an easier hike, you can opt to stay on top of the rim of the canyon and hike an out-and-back along the Dog Hole Trail. The choice is yours!
Sources: https://tnstateparks.com/assets/pdf/additional-content/so-cumberland-fiery-gizzard-map.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FieryGizzardTrail https://backcountrypost.com/threads/foster-falls-and-the-fiery-gizzard-trail.8456/
Difficulty
Severe
Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Picturesque
- Water features
- Forestry or heavy vegetation