Savage Gulf State Park

At more than 19,000 acres, Savage Gulf State Park features some of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness. The park offers approximately 60 miles of hiking to remarkable vistas, waterfalls, and historical locations such as the Stagecoach Road. 

The Great Stone Door is an impressive cliff line overlooking the Savage Gulf. It gets its name from a top-to-bottom crack in the cliff that runs from the top to the bottom, resembling a door left slightly ajar. This is one of the many ways to access the gulf below. Many of the trails are outstanding and known for spring wildflower hunts as the hiker traverses the different environs from the top of the plateau to its deep canyons, known locally as "gulfs".

The 56th state park includes land formerly managed as part of South Cumberland State Park. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $30 million for upcoming improvements, including a visitor center, RV campground, and infrastructure to support these new facilities. For now, current access points into the park remain as-is. The bluffs at Stone Door offer visitors the opportunity to 'rock climb and rappel' with seven designated routes — Permits are required.

Savage Gulf has nine backcountry campgrounds (Hobbs, Dinky Line, Savage Falls, Stagecoach Road, Collin West, Savage Station, Alum Gap, Sawmill, and Stone Door). Campsites should be reserved online at https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/savage-gulf/campsites.

The park has four trailheads. The Savage Gulf North and East trailheads offer paved parking, restroom facilities, a Ranger station, and at the North trailhead, a picnic area and a picnic pavilion. The Savage Gulf West and South trailheads both have paved parking areas, but no additional facilities.

Please consult the Park's trail map, below, and note distances before embarking on any hike!