Type: Trail, Loop/Out-and-back
Difficulty: 6 / 10
Altitude: 525 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 725 ft / 725 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Hiking, Running
This loop offers you a great run in and out of a very rugged gorge (Savage Gulf) and has some incredible overlooks, dense vegetation and wildlife encounters.
Take the paved trail by the Stone Door Ranger's Station to Laurel Gulf Overlook. Continue following the rim of the gulf (with fantastic views) till you get to the 'Stone Door.' The Stone Door is a small split in the rock where you can reach the bottom of the cliff line. The South Cumberland State Park web site says: "The Stone Door was used for centuries by the Indians as a passage way from the top of the escarpment into the gorges below. Like a giant door left ajar, the crack is 10 feet wide and 100 feet deep." Go thru the Door and continue down to the base of the cliff.
Once at the base, stay right on the trail for about 1 mile. The trail now gently climbs back up the rim. At the top, take the Greeter Falls Trail for about 2 miles. Once at the falls, either go down to the bottom and take a dip in the swimming hole or retrace your steps back to the trail intersection with the Big Creek Gulf Trail. Continue (northeast) on this trail for a few hundred yards where you will get to another intersection. From here take the Big Creek Rim Trail (with great views) all the way back to the Stone Door Ranger Station.
This is a great fall, winter and spring run as the summers are very hot an muggy - making a dip in the swimming hole almost mandatory. The absolute best time to do this trail run is during peak fall colors. The views from the overlooks are absolutely amazing during this time. However, this is deer hunting country so during late November, December and early January, deer hunting is allowed on the private property which portions of the trails in the South Cumberland State Park traverse. Runners during this period should wear bright clothing and run with caution.
From Nashville, Chattanooga or Huntsville take I-24 to Exit 134 (Monteagle/Sewanee). Drive through Monteagle and turn onto Hwy 41. Follow this to Tracy City. Once in Tracy City turn left onto Hwy 56. Take Hwy 56 approximately 20 miles to Beersheba Springs. Continue through Beersheba Springs and look for the 'Stone Door' sign (on your right) as you leave town. Turn here and proceed to the Stone Door Ranger Station. The trail starts here.
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