In Fiery Gizzard State Park, at the southern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, is Foster Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, the tallest in the region. There is also an excellent climbing area in the gorge below the falls, and both auto and backcountry camping nearby. You can view the falls from a handicapped-accessible viewing platform, 1/4 mile from the parking area via a boardwalk. For those able, take a short but steep descent, beginning just past the viewing platform, down stairs and rocks to the swimming hole.  

At the Fiery Gizzard South trailhead, a 100-yard handicapped-accessible boardwalk begins your adventure. For those able, at the end of the boardwalk, just before the viewing platform, there are two options: 

1) Bear right, and stay on the Fiery Gizzard Trail atop the plateau, circling behind Foster Falls, and be rewarded with an outstanding view of the falls from the far side. 

2) Bear left, past the viewing platform, and descend steeply on the Foster Climbers’ Access Trail, rock-hopping to the plunge pool at the bottom of Foster Falls.  Fron there, you can also follow the 2-mile Climber's Loop along a beautiful cliff line and along the base of towering bluff wall, passing many excellent climbing routes (more on that, below). You can return to the top of the plateau by retracing your steps, or by rejoining the Fiery Gizzard Trail, via either “Exit One” or “Exit Two” from the Climbers' Access Trail. Both are steep ascents of the Cumberland Escarpment. Regardless of which "exit" you choose, at the top, turn right on the Fiery Gizzard Trail to return to the trailhead and parking area; or turn left to continue north for a long-distance wilderness adventure on the Fiery Gizzard Trail.

Foster Falls is one of the most popular sport climbing areas in the southern United States.  There are more than 150 established climbing routes at Foster Falls, ranging in difficulty from beginner-friendly 5.5’s and 5.7’s to see-what-your-made-of 5.13 and 5.14’s. The majority of the climbs fall into the 5.10 to 5.12 range. Trails close 30 minutes after sunset Central Time, so climbers must plan accordingly in order to get out on time. Rappelling at Foster Falls is prohibited. There are two campgrounds near the crag for climbers looking to stay overnight: the Foster Falls Campground, which is the only car camping area in the park; and the backcountry Father Adamz campground. Online camping reservations are required.  Make your reservation at https://tnstateparks.itinio.com/south-cumberland.