Explore Beersheba Springs Tennessee

The Beersheba Springs Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the homes in Beersheba Springs trace their origins to the mid-1800s. The Old Brown Museum, a former country store, now serves as a community museum documenting the history of Beersheba Springs. Each year, the town hosts the Beersheba Springs Arts and Crafts Festival on the grounds of the Assembly. Beersheba Springs serves as the gateway to the Big Creek area of Savage Gulf, via the Savage Gulf North trailhead in Savage Gulf State Park.

Beersheba Springs quickly gained recognition as a summer resort town after Beersheba Porter Cain of McMinnville discovered a mineral spring here in 1833. Soon after, a tavern and some cabins were added, and the area became popular with travelers along the McMinnville-to-Chattanooga Stagecoach Route. Cain’s spring was located along an ancient trail system known as the Chickamauga Trace, which was utilized by early indigenous people, as well as peoples from the Cherokee, Chickamauga and Creek nations.

In 1854, John Armfield of Louisiana bought the property and built the luxurious Beersheba Springs Resort to overlook the Collins River valley. The resort became well-known throughout the South, featuring billiard rooms and bowling alleys, French chefs and musical acts from New Orleans.

The resort suffered from pillages and abuse during the Civil War and was closed. It reopened in the 1870s but never returned to its former glory. In 1941, the United Methodist Church acquired the hotel for conferences and group retreats.

Stone Door Campground

The back-country Stone Door Campground is secluded, but close to parking and bathrooms. Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.

Beersheba Historical Society Museum

Preserving the Best of Beersheba Springs' Past

Beersheba Porcelain

Handmade porcelain pottery and wearable art jewelry

Beersheba Springs Historic District

A Self-Guided Tour of the Beersheba Springs Historic District

Beersheba Springs Market

Authentic rural market and convenience store

Difficult

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.

Moderate

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.

Mountain Mobile Massage

Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations

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.

Easy

Savage Falls/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.

Difficult

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.

Easy

Stone Door Overlook

This is a relatively 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.

Things to do in Beersheba Springs

Lodging in Beersheba Springs

Camping

Altamont

Big Creek Gulf Overlook

Big Creek forms one of the three large canyons, locally known as "gulfs", in the Savage Gulf escarpment. The Big Creek Gulf overlook provides a nearly 270º view from adjacent rocky outcrops near mile marker 0.75 on the Greeter Trail. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West trailhead.

Altamont

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.

Altamont

Close to Home Restaurant

Delicous down home breakfast

Altamont

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.