Fiery Gizzard Trail

Fiery Gizzard Trail is a hiking route through South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee that winds through dense forests, deep gorges, and rock formations across the Cumberland Plateau. The path navigates steep terrain with numerous natural stone features and varied elevation changes throughout its length.

The route traces a path originally used by Native Americans and later traveled by European settlers seeking natural resources in the mountain region. This historical passage connects early indigenous movement through the land with subsequent exploration during the 1800s.

The trail winds through a landscape shaped by centuries of human passage and natural processes. Walkers move through terrain that connects them to the region's mountain heritage and geology.

Sturdy footwear with ankle support and plenty of water are essential for this hike due to challenging ground conditions. Start early in the day to allow plenty of daylight for navigating the steep and uneven terrain safely.

The trail passes by patches of old forest where hemlock trees have grown for hundreds of years in rare undisturbed conditions. Hikers also encounter natural rock shelters that formed through geological processes over millions of years.