Frequently Asked Questions – Tennessee's South Cumberland

Question 1

When is fall foliage peak in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Fall foliage in Tennessee’s South Cumberland peaks during the first week of November, though “leaf-peeping” could be spoiled if the area receives heavy rain during that time. The area’s high elevation (about 2000 feet above sea level) accounts for cooler, crisper days which can increase the color in the area’s foliage.  Because the “Mountains of Adventure” are less crowded than other foliage-viewing areas (Such as the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge), you can have a more pleasant “leaf-peeping” experience in Tennessee’s South Cumberland region.

Question 2

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Accepted Answer

In all Tennessee State Parks, dogs are permitted, but must be leashed at all times.

Question 3

Do you need permits to hike in the state parks?

Accepted Answer

For general hiking, no permit is required. However:

For caving and climbing, you will need a free permit., which you can obtain on the Tennessee State Parks website.
  For overnight camping, sites must be reserved for a small fee on the Tennessee State Parks website.

Question 4

Do you need a car in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a car is essential for your visit to Tennessee’s South Cumberland. Groome Transportation, which offers service between Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta, stops at the Smoke House Inn in Monteagle. However, once you arrive, there is no public transportation on the mountain and sparse or nonexistent coverage from ride sharing services such as Uber or Lyft.

Question 5

What are the closest airports to Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 90 minutes away and has direct flights to a variety of cities nationwide and abroad.
  Chattanooga’s Lovell Field Airport (CHA) is a bit closer, only 60 minutes away via I-24. CHA is served primariliy by American, Delta and United Airlines, with connections through their major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth. NOTE that Tennessee’s South Cumberland is on CENTRAL time and Chattanooga is on EASTERN time.

Question 6

How long does it take to drive to Tennessee's South Cumberland from the Southeast's major cities?

Accepted Answer

The "Mountains of Adventure" make a great getaway with a short drive from any of these major metropolitan areas:

Nashville: 85 miles (around 90 minutes)
  Atlanta: 160 miles (around 2.5 hours)
  Chattanooga: 45 miles (around 45 minutes)
  Huntsville: 65 miles (less than 1.5 hours)
  Knoxville: 150 miles (around 2.5 hours)

Question 7

Are there good restaurants in Tennessee’s South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a wide variety of restaurants, from authentic Southern diners to fine dining experiences. Here are some notable options:

Sewanee’s two Michelin Guide restaurants: Judith, a high-end restaurant owned by a popular Nashville chef and Lunch, which offers casual but creative farm-to-table fare.
  High Point, an upscale restaurant in a Monteagle home that was frequented by Al Capone
  Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City, the oldest family-owned bakery in Tennessee.

Question 8

Where should I stay in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee's South Cumberland comprises nine communities, each just 5-10 miles apart, but in total it takes over 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other. So you might want to plan your accommodations according to the attractions that are most important to you.

The Caverns are in Pelham, which is accessible from Monteagle via I-24. It's also accessible via 2-lane highways up the mountain to Tracy City, Coalmont and Altamont.
  The Coalmont OHV Park is in Coalmont, which is easily accessible from Tracy City, Altamont or Gruetli-Laager.
  The University of the South and Head of the Crow State Park are in Sewanee, which is easily accessible from Monteagle.
  Savage Gulf State Park has trailheads in Beersheba Springs, Altamont, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager and Palmer.
  Fiery Gizzard State Park is near Tracy City, which is also accessible from Monteagle.

Question 9

Is Tennessee’s South Cumberland a good place for a “digital detox?”

Accepted Answer

Yes! Tennessee’s South Cumberland is the perfect place to escape the noise and congestion of the city, put away your screens, relax and recharge in nature. Its proximity to I-24 makes for a convenient weekend getaway from Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta or Huntsville. Once here, you can stay in a wide variety of quiet inns, remote Airbnb vacation homes, tiny homes, glamping options or even pitch a tent in remote back country. From there, you can go hiking, biking, forest bathing, bird watching or wildflower spotting. You can even add in some yoga, a massage or other spa services before returning home.

Question 10

Are there historic sites to see in Tennessee’s South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is rich history to explore, and many historic sites to visit in Tennessee’s South Cumberland.  Two of its communities (Beersheba Springs and Monteagle) began as resort areas in the 19th Century, and many of the beautiful Victorian-era homes are well preserved and still in use today.

A third community, Grüetli-Laager, began as a resettlement community for Swiss emigrants who came to America, looking for a better life, starting in the 1860s. The Stoker-Sampfli Farm still operates as a Swiss cultural learning center.

A fourth community, Sewanee, began as (and still is!) a small college town, part of the University of the South, which was founded here around the time of the U.S. Civil War.  The University was named as the 2025 26 Most Beautiful Campus in the Country by the Princeton Review.

Three more communities are tied to the discovery of coal in the “Mountains of Adventure” in the 1850s (Tracy City, Coalmont and Palmer).  They were originally connected by the Mountain Goat Railroad line, which carried coal, timber and passengers into and out of the region.  Today, much of that original railroad right-of-way has now been converted into a multi-modal recreational trail that bears the Mountain Goat name.

At the Grundy Lakes Historic Area near Tracy City, you can see remains of the “coke ovens” that were constructed to turn the native coal into Coal Coke, which made it more useful (and vaulable) in the production of steel.  Much of that area’s mining operation, known as “Lone Rock” back in the day, depended on prison laborer workforce.  The prisoners, leased from the State of Tennessee, were housed in a Civil-War era stockade on the site, which is presently under archaeological investigation.

Question 11

What types of lodging are available in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many types of lodging in the “Mountains of Adventure”:

Short-term cabin and vacation home rentals; check any short-term rental app for availability or book directly through one of several vacation rental management companies on the mountain.
  Motels; mainly along I-24 (exits 134 or 135), in Monteagle
  The Smoke House, a legendary, locally-owned enterprise since 1962
  The Edgeworth Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast on the grounds of the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
  The Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center, in historic downtown Monteagle
  The Sewanee Inn, on the campus of the University of the South in Sewanee

Question 12

Are there easy hikes in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

In Savage Gulf State Park:

Stone Door Overlook, via the Savage Gulf North trailhead (2 miles, 40-minute moderate walk) 
  Laurel Falls, via the Savage Gulf North trailhead (2/10 mile, 6-minute moderate walk)
  Savage Falls, via the Savage Gulf East trailhead (1.5 miles, 40-minute moderate walk)

In Fiery Gizzard State Park:

The Grundy Forest Loop Trail, via the Fiery Gizzard North Trail (3-mile, 2-hour moderate walk)

In Head of the Crow State Park:

The Sherwood Loop Trail, via the Pack Hollow trailhead [formerly Lost Cove East], a 2.9 mile, 2-hour easy walk)

At the University of the South:

Piney Point overlook, from the University Gates trailhead (a 2-mile, 1-hour easy walk)
  Wiggins Creek Trail, from the Lake Cheston trailhead (a 1.2 mile round-trip, 35 minute easy walk). Follow the trail ’til you see signage for the Wiggins Creek (to the left, marked with white markers). Follow this trail to its intersection with the Perimeter Trail. From here, you can choose to add another 1.2 miles (and another 35 minutes) either by heading towards Morgan’s Steep overlook (to the left) or the Otey overlook (right).

Question 13

What is the Fiery Gizzard Trail known for?

Accepted Answer

The Fiery Gizzard Trail is arguably the most famous trail in Tennessee’s South Cumberland. Named for the canyon it follows, It was named by Backpacker magazine as one of the nation’s top hiking trails.

“The Gizz” is an 11.5-mile, challenging hike between the State Park’s north and south trailheads.  It is best to leave a car at each end, or arrange for a pick-up from a local provider (there’s no Uber service here), unless it’s summer and you have time (and the energy!) to complete the entire 23-mile round trip.

Along the way, however, you’re rewarded for your effort with multiple breathtaking views of the Fiery Gizzard gorge (including Raven Point, a 270-degree panoramic overlook).  You’ll also pass the site of a major moonshine operation, walk beneath Chain Link Falls, view both Foster Falls and the Black Canyon Cascade, and encounter other notable features, while traversing some of the most pristine forests in eastern North America.

For a smaller taste of "The Gizz" with less effort, the Grundy Forest Loop offers a 3-mile portion of the trail.

Question 14

What are the best waterfalls in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

In Fiery Gizzard State Park:

Foster Falls, via the Fiery Gizzard South trailhead (2/10 mile, 4-minute easy walk to the overlook; the trail to the bottom of the falls is another 2/10 mile 15-minute walk, but is rocky and challenging)
  Black Canyon Cascade, via the Fiery Gizzard North trailhead (2/3 mile, 30-minute moderate walk; cross the metal footbridge and continue another 1/10 mile, 5-minute walk for the best look)

In Savage Gulf State Park:

Greeter Falls, via the Savage Gulf West trailhead (1/2 mile, 12-minute moderate walk, which includes two staircases)
  Laurel Falls, via the Savage Gulf North trailhead (2/10 mile, 6-minute moderate walk)
  Ranger Falls, via the Savage Gulf North trailhead (6.3 mile, 2-2/3 hour strenuous walk)
  Suter Falls, via the Savage Gulf South trailhead (1.3 miles, 40-minute strenuous walk)
  Savage Falls, via the Savage Gulf East trailhead (1.5 miles, 40-minute moderate walk)

Question 15

What are the best things to do in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Hike in the virgin forests of the area's three state parks plus the University of the South domain, which combine to offer over 150 miles of hiking trails.
  Relax by over a dozen dramatic waterfalls, some with swimming holes. Note that flow of some waterfalls is reduced in dry summer months.
  Take in dramatic bluff views, some overlooking forested coves and others over miles of valleys 1,000 feet below.
  Go biking in nature, either road biking on the paved 12-mile Mountain Goat Trail or mountain biking on the 13 miles of trails at Tim Graham trail network maintained by St. Andrews Sewanee school or the many trails maintained by the University of the South.
  Climb sandstone cliffs at Denny Cove or Foster Falls (experienced climbers only)
  Explore fascinating caves in one of the world’s most popular caving regions, known as “TAG” (an area spanning parts of Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia). Many caves are on private property, but you can explore Buggytop Cave in Head of the Crow State Park or take a guided cave tour at The Caverns.
  Enjoy an underground concert in an award-winning venue at The Caverns.
  Go offroading at the Coalmont OHV park.

Question 16

When is peak tourist season in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Spring, Summer and Fall are all popular times for visits to Tennessee’s South Cumberland.  Spring wildflower season begins in early March and runs through mid-April.  Fall foliage peaks during the first week of November, though “leaf-peeping” could be spoiled if the area receives heavy rain during that time.  With the exception of August, which is sometimes more humid, the entire summer season is popular with visitors.

Question 17

Does it snow in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Because of its elevation at 2,000 feet above sea level, Tennessee’s South Cumberland frequently gets snow when most adjoining areas only get cold rain. Many visitors come from Nashville, Atlanta and adjoining cities to experience winter in the “Mountains of Adventure.” However, most snowfalls are light, and usually melt off within a day or two.  Still, because some of the area’s roads are winding and hilly, be aware and careful if driving on roads that haven’t been treated or plowed.

Question 18

What is the weather like in Tennessee's South Cumberland in summer?

Accepted Answer

In summer, temperatures in the “Mountains of Adventure” are 5-6 degrees cooler than most other Southeastern locations (rarely topping the 80s), because of their location about 2,000 feet above sea level. Being at the top of a huge plateau, a summer thunder shower can’t be ruled out, but Tennessee’s South Cumberland often enjoys cool breezes that valley locations can’t. Summer brings perfect water temperatures in the area’s many streams, offering perfect swimming holes, which are found at the base of the area’s amazing waterfalls.

Question 19

What is the best time of year to visit Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

Almost any time of year offers visitors a unique small-town, rural and outstanding outdoor experience. Spring, with cool but moderate temperatures, brings billions of wildflowers to life along the trails in the area’s three State Parks.  Summer offers some relief from the high temperatures of most of the South. Autumn, also with moderate temperatures, makes a big splash with fall colors peaking during the first week of November. In winter, Tennessee’s South Cumberland often gets more snow than adjoining areas, but just enough to be enjoyable. And with no leaves on the trees, more of its trails offer bluff views.

Question 20

How many days do you need in Tennessee's South Cumberland?

Accepted Answer

You can spend a weekend or several weeks in Tennessee’s South Cumberland — there are so many trails, overlooks, swimming holes, waterfalls and kid-friendly attractions.

If you only have a weekend, catch a live music show at The Caverns, and be sure to visit Foster Falls in Fiery Gizzard State Park and Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf State Park (where the trail has a spiral staircase).  Grab dinner at Hank’s in Tracy City or, for more upscale fare, at High Point in Monteagle or Judith in Sewanee.
  If you have 4-5 days or a full week, short, day-long or multi-day hikes are a must in Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf State Park (which almost always include a wonderful vista, babbling forest creek, or waterfall!).  Include a visit to Head of the Crow State Park, where the family-friendly Sherwood Loop Trail offers two breathtaking overlooks. Grab lunch at any of the area’s authentic restaurants, such as Shenanigans in Sewanee, the Mountain Goat Market in Monteagle or Rosie’s Farmhouse Kitchen in Tracy City.  While you’re in Tracy City, visit the “Dutch Maid,” an original, 120-year-old bakery and confectionery shop.  You could easily spend two weeks in the “Mountains of Adventure” in order to experience the entire region.

For more itinerary options, click here.

Question 21

Is Tennessee's South Cumberland good for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes, families will love the shorter waterfall hikes, secluded cabin accommodations, and the safety of a small-town feel, as well as specifically kid-friendly attractions, such as the zipline at Baggenstoss Farms, the full-size pirate ship and indoor playhouse at Cove Creek Farms and the story book trail with playground at the Fiery Gizzard State Park Welcome Center.  The nine towns of Tennessee’s South Cumberland offer a variety of eating options, many ideal for the children, as well as seasonal events and kid-friendly activities.

Question 22

Is Tennessee's South Cumberland worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Tennessee’s South Cumberland is ideal for any visitor interested in an authentic outdoor experience. It is far quieter and less crowded than the Smoky Mountains with a distinctly different feel, immersing you in nature up close.  Instead of looking up at the mountains above, you start at the top with jaw-dropping views and descend into narrow gorges alongside dramatic cliffs, often following cool mountain streams to find breathtaking waterfalls.

Crowd level: Much less crowded than Gatlinburg, any time of year.
  Type of experience: Much more authentic, relaxing, and more in touch with nature.
  Cost: Generally, prices in the “Mountains of Adventure” are lower than in Gatlinburg.
  Convenience: Tennessee's South Cumberland is directly accessible via I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga.

Question 23

What is Tennessee’s South Cumberland known for?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee’s South Cumberland is known as the “Mountains of Adventure” because it is a mecca for outdoor lovers, with three State Parks plus the University of the South protecting over 50,000 acres of pristine forests with over 150 miles of hiking trails. There you’ll find hundreds of dramatic sandstone overlooks and over a dozen breathtaking waterfalls. It is one of the most biologically rich areas in the eastern U.S. Because of its sandstone plateaus, deep gorges, waterfalls, caves, and micro-climates, it hosts over 50 species that are rare and/or unique to the area.

With an elevation approximately 1,000 feet higher than surrounding areas, Tennessee’s South Cumberland is cooler in the summer than most of the Southeast.  In winter, the area is also more likely to get snow than the lower elevations.

Tennessee’s South Cumberland is also home to The Caverns, the award-winning venue where the PBS TV series “The Caverns Sessions” is filmed. The Caverns features live music from across the musical spectrum year-round, both in its original “cave-theater” and, in warmer weather, at its outdoor amphitheater. Check TheCaverns.com for upcoming performances.

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