The Grundy Forest Day Loop Trail, located at the north end of the 12-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail within South Cumberland State Park, offers hikers a chance to experience a variety of remarkable natural attractions within a manageable two-mile hike. This scenic tour through the Tennessee forest features not one, but two waterfalls that empty into strikingly blue plunge pools, a narrowly rushing rapid feature shooting down a sharply descending portion of Fiery Gizzard Creek, a cavern carved beneath a hanging rock ledge among other interesting geological formations, towering old-growth trees and other sights.

Just an hour’s drive from Murfreesboro, this unique trail sits just outside of downtown Tracy City, Tennessee. From I-24, take the Monteagle exit, and the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead, about five miles east and situated behind Tracy City Elementary School, is a gateway to some of the state’s plentiful natural wonders.

This trailhead features a well-maintained parking area with restrooms, a water bottle filling station, a covered picnic area, and flat grassy spots—making it an excellent place to stretch out, relax, or enjoy a meal before or after a hike through the woods.

Setting off on the Grundy Forest Day Loop in a clockwise direction, hikers soon hear the soothing sounds of flowing water as they make their way toward the creek below. The trail leads to a masterfully crafted rock staircase, descending towards the creek level below. Down here, discover a cavernous opening cutting into the hillside beneath a rugged rock overhang. Some interesting hollow trees and holes dot the landscape, while some clearly ancient trees add to the magical woodland atmosphere.

The trail continues along the creek, leading to a section of falling creek water labeled on some maps as simply “small waterfall.” A narrow passage of pathway elevated above the creek on one side, flanked by a rocky cliff on the other, provides a cool approach to Blue Hole Falls. You can’t miss Blue Hole Falls and its mesmerizing pool of crystal-clear water.

The deep water of the Blue Hole should make it a lovely swimming place in hot weather, the rock ledge at the top of the falls providing a potentially awesome spot to leap into the cool, blue depths (if the water level is indeed deep enough and weather and water conditions allow).

Pockets of warm air and cool air swirl and mix about in the park. The temperature can swing quite a bit in just a few minutes, from the sun-exposed land above to the cool, shadowy, damp and cavernous environment below.

Shortly after passing Blue Hole Falls, hikers should definitely take a brief detour across a large metal bridge spanning the creek. This leads to a close-up view of Black Canyon Cascades, a dramatic scene where rushing water shoots into a narrow, rocky chute. While Black Canyon Cascades can be spotted from across the creek while still on the Day Loop, taking the bridge and the main Fiery Gizzard Trail provides direct access to this stunning feature.

Unlike Blue Hole, this area is absolutely not suitable for swimming, but its powerfully cascading water funneling down the cold black rocks makes it a must-see element of the visit.

For the experienced hikers, continue on down the Fiery Gizzard Trail (12 more miles) to Foster Falls; yet those looking for a reasonable walk in the park can head back over the bridge and finish out the Day Loop.

As hikers ascend the hill, the scent of campfire smoke may drift through the air, signaling the proximity of a nearby campground.

The trail then arrives at Hanes Hole Falls—another picturesque scene and wading and swimming point, quite similar to the layout of Blue Hole Falls, comprised of a blue pool tucked beneath a rock ledge overhang where water flows continually in the secluded piece of forest.

Shortly past here, a small offshoot trail leads to the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. During the Great Depression, men lived here while working on parks and conservation projects in the area. This historical loop displays placards detailing the park’s early development.

Grundy Forest Day Loop is very clearly marked, not incredibly difficult other than some moderate elevation changes, and packed with beautiful woodland scenes. The forest and water are rich with deer, salamanders, birds and many other creatures, such as mink. Some of the massive hemlocks here are gauged to be over 300 years old, some growing in their very spots prior even to American Revolution.

With lots of fascinating points of interest over its 2-mile distance, visitors say the trail is a gem, a good bang for the buck for hikers looking to experience a variety of features the South Cumberland region has to offer, all within just a couple of hours of traversing an ancient natural landscape.

IF YOU GO:

Grundy Forest Day Loop
Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead
131 Fiery Gizzard Rd., Tracy City, TN

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Photos by Sarah Mayo