Article Menu
Introduction
Locator Map

Sipsey Wilderness
Big Hill Pond
Meeman-Shelby
Natchez Trace
Land Between the Lakes
Pickett
Foster Falls
Savage Gulf
Frozen Head
Big South Fork

online favorites
DESTINATIONS
GORP Top Ten
Campsites near Nashville and Memphis
By Johnny Molloy
Foster Falls Recreation Area

Foster Falls is the main attraction of this recreation area run by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The falls itself is a 120-foot drop over a sheer bluff into the Big Fiery Gizzard gorge. A short loop trail leads to the base of the falls. Another way to see the dropping water is via the Fiery Gizzard Trail. It's south end passes Foster Falls. Take this path along the rim of the gorge to view the falls from the top looking down. Farther along the trail is a backcountry campsite for backpackers and more spectacular scenery such as rock shelters, old trees, rock jumbles, sinkholes and other waterfalls. By the way, Daniel Boone gave Foster Falls its name. He was camped out nearby when he burned some fowl he was cooking over a fire, igniting the bird's gizzard.


Essentials:

This TVA designated Small Wild Area has one of the most spacious campgrounds around. The loop is so large it seems to engulf the 26 sites spaced beneath a young second-growth forest. There is piped water and flush toilets but no showers.

Beyond Foster Falls is Grundy Lakes State Park. This site is one the National Historic Register. Once the site of mining activity, this area has seen prison labor, revolts and the cooling down of the infamous Lone Rock coke ovens. Take the Lone Rock Trail to see these interesting sites. Nearby Grundy Forest State Natural Area, near Tracy City, has some challenging trails that pass strange rock formations, rock houses and waterfalls make you appreciate the area being donated by local citizens.

Essentials:

To reach Foster Falls Recreation Area, take I-24 from Nashville to exit 134. Follow US 64 east 7 miles to Tracy City. From Tracy City take US 41 south for 8 miles to reach Foster Falls, which will be on your right. The campground is $11 per night. For more information call (423) 697-6006.

Move on to * Locator Map

Return to * Top


Book an Active Vacation
star Top Trips in the South
bullet Hiking Below the Mason Dixon - Trek the Smoky Mountains, or explore peaceful islands.
bullet North Carolina Adventures - Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains, or kayak the Outer Banks.
bullet Florida Escapes - Learn to sail in the Keys, or explore the wildlands by canoe.

RELATED GORP LINKS
* GORP Camping
* GORP Tennesse Resources
* GORPtravel



Related Southeast Trips

Road Trip Guides

National Park Guides

Hiking Guides

Today's Gear Guy

Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]