Savage Gulf State Park
At more than 19,000 acres, Savage Gulf State Park features some of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness . The park offers approximately 60 miles of hiking to remarkable vistas, waterfalls, and historical locations such as the Stagecoach Road.
The Great Stone Door is an impressive cliff line overlooking the Savage Gulf. It gets its name from a top-to-bottom crack in the cliff that runs from the top to the bottom, resembling a door left slightly ajar. This is one of the many ways to access the gulf below. Many of the trails are outstanding and known for spring wildflower hunts as the hiker traverses the different environs from the top of the plateau to its deep canyons, known locally as "gulfs".
The 56th state park includes land formerly managed as part of South Cumberland State Park. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $30 million for upcoming improvements, including a visitor center, RV campground, and infrastructure to support these new facilities. For now, current access points into the park remain as-is. The bluffs at Stone Door offer visitors the opportunity to 'rock climb and rappel' with seven designated routes — Permits are required.
Savage Gulf has nine backcountry campgrounds (Hobbs, Dinky Line, Savage Falls, Stagecoach Road, Collin West, Savage Station, Alum Gap, Sawmill, and Stone Door). Campsites should be reserved online at https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/savage-gulf/campsites.
The park has four trailheads. The Savage Gulf North and East trailheads offer paved parking, restroom facilities, a Ranger station, and at the North trailhead, a picnic area and a picnic pavilion. The Savage Gulf West and South trailheads both have paved parking areas, but no additiional facilities.
Please consult the Park's trail map, below, and note distances before embarking on any hike!
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.
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.
Easy
Collins Campground
The Collins Campground is only a half mile hike from the Savage Gulf South trailhead, and is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Collins River Rim and Gulf Trails. Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.
Difficult
Collins Gulf 2-Day Overnight Hike
This two-day hike features eye-popping springtime wildflowers, amazing waterfalls, disappearing streams and majestic overlooks. There are steep descents/return ascents into/out of Collins Gulf. Otherwise, it's a moderate hike. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.
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.
Difficult
Horsepound Falls
Visit the waterfall said to be named for the place where Confederate forces hid their horses during the Civil War. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South 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.
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.
Difficult
Savage Creek 4-Day Overnight Hike
This 4-day hike takes you into the “wildest” part of Savage Gulf State Park — some of the most beautiful wilderness in the region. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf East Trailhead.
Easy
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.
Easy
Savage Station Campground
A great spot for back-country camping in Savage Gulf, within walking distance of the Savage Gulf East Trailhead parking area! Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.
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
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.
Easy
Stone Door Campground
The back-country Stone Door Campground is secluded, but close to parking and bathrooms. Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.
Difficult
Suter Falls/Horsepound Falls
Here's a challenging 2 mile out-and-back viewing of Suter Falls, Horsepound Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.
