Altamont is the gateway to the Firescald Creek and Big Creek areas of Savage Gulf State Park. From the Savage Gulf West trailhead, you can reach Greeter Falls, the site of the historic Long’s Mill, the Greeter Homestead and the Alum Gap Campground.
Altamont was established in 1848 as the Grundy County seat thanks to the efforts of Gen. Adrian Northcutt, a local farmer who served for ten years in the Tennessee legislature. The first county courthouse was in Northcutt’s original home, a small log cabin. It was in this cabin that Northcutt and several other men signed Grundy County into being in 1844.
Early stagecoach roads, connecting the area to Beersheba Springs and what would later become Tracy City, were constructed as far back as 1833. The Firescald Creek Stone Arch Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on Northcutt’s Cove Road, off Highway 56, just north of town.
Much earlier, the Chickamauga Trace, an ancient Native American trade trail, also traversed this part of the Cumberland Plateau. Portions of the Trace can be seen alongside the hiking trail to Greeter Falls.
Altamont’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was built with mountain stone in 1946 by Lewis Fults. It served the congregation until a new ward was built in the 1980s.
South Cumberland Getaways
Rental agency offering a lodge and a variety of cabins, tiny homes, glamping and hostel options
Grandview Cabins & RV Park
Cabins and RV sites with a stocked fishing pond and trails for horses or ATVs on property.
Greeter Falls Lodge & Cabins
5 lodge suites plus 2 individual cabins with shared common living, kitchen and dining areas.
Difficult
Big Creek Sink
Big Creek disappears into an underground cave at this location, only to emerge further downstream. There's a steep descent/return ascent into/out of Big Creek Gulf. Otherwise, it's a moderate-to-easy hike. Access this adventure from either the Savage Gulf North or Savage Gulf East trailheads.
Moderate
Boardtree Falls
Boardtree Falls is actually a pair of cascade-style waterfalls on Boardtree Creek, near the Alum Gap campground. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West Trailhead.
Close to Home Restaurant
Delicous down home breakfast
Moderately Difficult
Greeter Falls
A moderate-to-challenging one-mile out-and-back trail with a spiral staircase, taking you to Greeter Falls. Also check out the (easier) spur trail to the Blue Hole swimming area, as well as some smaller waterfalls and historic sites. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West Trailhead.
Hickory Creek Stone Arch Bridge
Two Spans, One Talented Builder
Hoover's Courthouse Cabin
Birthplace of a New County in an Untamed Land
Hwy 56 Coffee, Ice Cream & Creative Eats
Coffee, ice cream & creative eats with a changing menu of specialty items
L.V. Woodlee House
A Distinguished Home for a Distinguished Gentleman
Mountain Mobile Massage
Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations
Northcutt Lumber & Building Supply
One of Many Business Enterprises of Grundy County’s “First Family”
Northcutt-Moffitt Manor
An Elegant Mansion and an Eccentric Heiress
Difficult
Ranger Falls
Ranger Falls has no visible outflow; under normal flow, 100% of its water flows into an underground cave. Access this unusual adventure from the Savage Gulf West or Savage Gulf North trailheads.
Things to do in Altamont
Lodging in Altamont
Beersheba Springs
Beersheba Historical Society Museum
Preserving the Best of Beersheba Springs' Past
Beersheba Springs
Beersheba Porcelain
Handmade porcelain pottery and wearable art jewelry
Beersheba Springs
Beersheba Springs Historic District
A Self-Guided Tour of the Beersheba Springs Historic District
Beersheba Springs
Beersheba Springs Market
Authentic rural market and convenience store
Beersheba Springs
Big Creek 3-Day Overnight Hike
This 3-day/2-night hike is especially beautiful during fall colors or spring wildflower season. The climbs down into the Gulf and back out again can be challenging. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Coalmont
Coalmont OHV Park
New off-road park offering over 1,300 acres of trails with varied wooded terrain for all vehicle types and skill levels.
Beersheba Springs
Laurel Falls
This 400-foot trail, next to the Stone Door Ranger Station, leads to a picturesque waterfall. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Beersheba Springs
Savage Day Loop
An easy 4.2 mile round-trip hike and a perfect outing to see the eastern part of Savage Gulf and Savage Falls. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf East Trailhead.
Beersheba Springs
Schwoon Spring
This spring, named for early settler Fred Schwoon, was an important source of fresh water for the early residents of Savage Gulf. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Pelham
Simply Southern Cafe
Southern comfort food
Beersheba Springs
Stone Door
This is a realtively easy 2 mile out-and-back hike with a spectacular overlook and steps that descend through a 150-foot crevice at the crest of the plateau. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Pelham
Tess's Kitchen Cafe
Country food, Asian food & pizza
Pelham
The Caverns
Underground concert hall plus above-ground amphitheater that features nationally-touring acts. Cave tours also available.