Grundy Forest State Natural Area is located just outside of Tracy City, TN. The main trail within this area is the Fiery Gizzard Trail and connects to Foster Falls Small Wild Area 12+ miles away. The trail also travels through The Little Gizzard Creek Small Wild Area. There is another trail on the Tracy City end of the Fiery Gizzard. 1.5 miles in Dog Hole Trail begins and takes you to the Raven Point Campsite 2.8 miles away and then re-intersects with The Fiery Gizzard.
DIRECTIONS
Take I-24 to the Monteagle/Sewanee exit (exit 134). Drive into Monteagle and turn left onto Hwy 41. Drive toward Tracy City. Look for a brown sign for the Grundy State Forest on your right just outside of Tracy City. Turn right drive toward a school. The Grundy Forest parking lot is just behind the school's softball field.
DESCRIPTION
• Large Hemlocks
• Wildflowers
• Rock Chimneys
• Bluffs
• Fiery Gizzard Creek
• Waterfalls
ACTIVITIES
• Picnicking @ trail head
• Hiking
• Backpacking
ISSUES
• Snakes
• Slippery rocks
• Slight elevation decrease at beginning of trail (100-200 ft)
• Rock garden crossing at @ 2 miles
• Dog Hole Mine is not barricaded
POSITIVES
• Rarely travelled
• Beautiful scenery of waterfalls
• Raven Point
SYNOPSIS
This trail is a favorite of my families. In the winter when there is snow on the ground it is our “go too”. In the summer and the temperature is above 90 degrees, it is our “go too” trail as well. It feels like the temperature drops 10-15 degrees in the gorge. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must for this area.
LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/
