Day Hikes

A challenging but rewarding full-day, 7-mile out and back hike that involves 3 trails. You'll begin on the Stone Door Trail, then take the Big Creek and Ranger Falls Trails to explore the depths of Big Creek Gulf.

This 0.8 mile out-and-back trail descends about 150 feet to Firescald Creek and the Blue Hole. It’s easy for most of the way, with some steeply rocky going at the end. Swimming here can start as early as mid-March, in a warm year. No floats allowed. 

A moderately difficult 4 mile roundtrip hike to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee. Watch your footing as you descend into Lost Cove and enjoy the cool air at the opening of the cave before heading back up. Bring lots of water and be sure you have sturdy footwear! The interior of Lost Cove Cave is closed from September through May to protect rare and endangered species of salamanders and bats.

A moderate to briefly strenuous 4-1/2 mile round trip, out-and-back with spectacular views of Suter Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs.

A world-class rock climbers’ paradise, with a double-cascade waterfall and nearly 500 climbing routes with grades ranging from 5.8 to 5.14.

An occasionally strenuous 1-mile “out-and-back” trail to a double-drop cascade that, on sunny afternoons, frequently displays its spray as a rainbow.

The tallest falls in the Park, the 60-foot Foster Falls can be viewed from a handicapped-accessible viewing platform just 1/4 mile from the Foster Falls parking area. For a better look, take the trail past the viewing platform and descend into the gorge at the base of the falls, where there is a popular popular swimming hole.

A moderate to strenuous 1.4 mile trail (including the spur to the Greeter Home Place and the Greeter Loop) that descends 240 feet into the coves made by Firescald Creek and Boardtree Branch. The 0.8 mile loop offers three waterfalls, swimming, magnificent rock formations, and a rock scramble along a high narrow ledge under the bluff. 

One of the best short hikes in the entire Park, this 2-mile circuit takes in tumbling cascades, several waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as the remains of a CCC camp, old mines, native American hunting shelters and a moonshine still. An additional, moderately difficult 1.6-mile out-and-back spur takes you to Sycamore Falls.

An easy 1.3 mile roundtrip hike circling the Grundy Lakes and viewing the site of coke ovens from the early 20th century. This site also includes multiple picnic areas, a swimming area and playground.

A difficult 2 mile out-and-back viewing Suter Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs.  If you wish to continue on, 2 miles past Suter Falls you'll come to Horsepound Falls, a unique waterfall formation with overlooks and lush wildflowers in the spring!

A 400-foot stair-stepped spur trail directly behind the Stone Door Ranger Station that leads down to Laurel Falls and the site of an old mill. This 0.3 mile loop trail, part of which follows a very old, historic road, will return to you to the Ranger Station at its end. 

Easy 1.3 mile walk with story boards from a nature-oriented children's book and natural playground made of ropes and logs in the woods.

An easy 4.2 mile round-trip hike featuring Savage Falls and the impressive rock cascades immediately above the falls.

A remarkable 27-foot tall natural sandstone arch that is easily accessible via a 400-foot stair-stepped path from the parking lot. Please exercise great care when crossing the bridge, particularly with children. 

An easy and rewarding 2.4 mile loop trail that includes a visit to the Sherwood Natural Bridge, unique rock formations, and several outstanding overlooks, where you can see nearly 17 miles into Franklin County.

An easy 2 mile out-and-back hike featuring a breathtaking overlook of Savage Gulf, one of the most photographed spots on the Cumberland Plateau.

A difficult 2 mile out-and-back viewing Suter Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs.  If you wish to continue on, 2 miles past Suter Falls you'll come to Horsepound Falls, a unique waterfall formation with overlooks and lush wildflowers in the spring.