
Escape the Summer Heat
In summer, temperatures in the “Mountains of Adventure” are 5-6 degrees cooler than most other Southeastern locations (rarely topping the 80s), because of their location about 2,000 feet above sea level. Being at the top of a huge plateau, a summer thunder shower can’t be ruled out, but Tennessee’s South Cumberland often enjoys cool breezes that valley locations can’t. Summer brings perfect water temperatures in the area’s many streams, offering perfect swimming holes, which are found at the base of the area’s amazing waterfalls.
Splash around or take a plunge!
Let the kids splash around in Tennessee's largest inclusive playground and splash pad. Take a shady hike in along a cool stream and cool off in a refreshing swimming hole. Or spend the afternoon at a mountain lake...
Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City
Foster Falls
In Fiery Gizzard State Park, at the southern end of the Fiery GizzardTrail, is Foster Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, the tallest in the parks, with a swimming hole at its base. There is an easy quarter-mile hike to observe the falls from above; and a much more strenuous two-mile hike (round trip) to clamber to the bottom of the falls on a rocky trail. Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard South Trailhead.
Outdoor Adventures - Altamont
Greeter Falls
A moderate-to-challenging one-mile out-and-back trail In Savage Gulf State Park featuring a spiral staircase, taking you to Greeter Falls. Also check out the (easier) spur trail to the Blue Hole swimming area, as well as some smaller waterfalls and historic sites. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West Trailhead.
Outdoor Adventures - Tracy City
Grundy Lakes & Lone Rock Coke Ovens
In Fiery Gizzard State Park, there's a recreational lake with swimming and picnicking facilities at the site of the historic Lone Rock Coke Ovens, where locally-mined coal was converted to coal coke by convict labor. An easy 2.3-mile hike encircles the lakes; some of it using a low-traffic paved road. Access this adventure from the Grundy Lakes Trailhead, which is also the parking area for the swimming and picnicking facilities.
Go underground!
No matter the season or weather above ground it's always 59 degrees in The Caverns, a world-class underground music venue that also offers cave tours. They offer simple one-hour tours or more intense "adventure" tours.
Outdoor Adventures - Pelham
The Caverns Cave Tours
Daily cave tours at The Caverns in Pelham include one of the largest underground rooms in the world at over 3 football fields long and a behind-the-scenes tour of the music venue. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies can take an Adventure Cave Tour to explore deep portions of The Caverns with seasoned cave guides.
Sweet treats and al fresco eats
Your hike and plunge won't be complete without a sweet treat!













