Appalachian Conservation Institute

The Appalachian Conservation Institute ("ACI") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit managing an 11,000-acre tract in Tennessee's ecologically significant Little Sequatchie Cove, just outside Tracy City. The Institute is dedicated to proactive land restoration, scientific research, and responsible outdoor recreation.

While open to the public, visitors are required to obtain a free permit online and check in/out via the ACI Recreation Access Portal. Caving, overnight camping, and commercial foraging are strictly prohibited.

The property offers multiple miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting. Among the most popular is the 2.8-mile Mountain Laurel Trail, a loop trail with panoramic landscape vistas and a waterfall.

Beyond public recreation, ACI actively restores native habitats and protects rare cave systems and unique geological formations in the cove. ACI is in the process of treating native hemlock trees against the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, and to restoring historical pine-oak savannas using prescribed fires and timber management to benefit local wildlife.

For the latest trail maps, conservation updates, or community events, you can visit the Appalachian Conservation Institute website or its Appalachian Conservation Institute Facebook Page.

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Nearby Places to Stay

Tracy City

Cumberland Trails RV Park

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Foster Falls Campground

Located at the Fiery Gizzard South Trailhead, this is the only state park campground in this area that is open to vehicles, with 25 sites for tents or small trailers. Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.

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Father Adamz Campground

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Grundy Forest Campground

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