Easy access
If hiking isn't your thing but fall colors are, here are some options with very little effort...
Memorial Cross Overlook
This scenic and historic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee is also a favorite spot for sunsets. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Tennessee Avenue.
Stone Door Overlook
This is a relatively easy 2 mile out-and-back hike with a spectacular overlook and steps that descend through a 150-foot crevice at the crest of the plateau. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Grundy Lakes & Lone Rock Coke Ovens
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.
Fill Your Fall with Color, Not Crowds
The Smoky Mountains are a wonderful place to see fall colors... IF your idea of a fall "break" involves fighting crowds! In Tennessee’s South Cumberland, the number of fall visitors pales in comparison with the miles of wild and wonderful trails that lead to dozens of jaw-dropping overlooks, where millions of stunning trees show off their fall foliage, draped over our bluff-capped hillsides like beautiful yellow, orange and red blankets.
WHEN: Fall colors in Tennessee’s South Cumberland can begin as early as mid-October in some of the higher elevations, such as Altamont, Gruetli-Laager and Beersheba Springs. Colors area-wide tend to peak during the first week of November, but can be beautiful all the way to Thanksgiving, if weather cooperates.
Whether you're a casual observer or hardcore hiker, there are pleny of options...
Short hikes
Let the colors surround you with a short hike...
Savage Falls/Savage Day Loop
An easy 4.2 mile round-trip hike and a perfect outing to see the eastern part of Savage Gulf and Savage Falls. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf East Trailhead.
Greeter Falls
A moderate-to-challenging one-mile out-and-back trail with 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.
Grundy Forest Loop/CCC Camp
A moderate 3-mile trek with swimming holes, history, geology, giant hemlocks and cascading streams with an optional 1/3-mile walk through the site of a 1930s CCC camp. Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead.
Full immersion
Go for the gusto with a multi-day backpacking adventure...
Big Creek 3-Day Overnight Hike
This 3-day/2-night hike is especially beautiful during fall colors or spring wildflower season. The climbs down into the Gulf and back out again can be challenging. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.
Collins Gulf 2-Day Overnight Hike
This two-day hike features eye-popping springtime wildflowers, amazing waterfalls, disappearing streams and majestic overlooks. There are steep descents/return ascents into/out of Collins Gulf. Otherwise, it's a moderate hike. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.
Fiery Gizzard Trail, a 2-day Adventure
Ranked as one of the top 25 backpacking trails in the United States by Backpacker magazine, "The Gizz" features cascading streams, numerous waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, extremely rocky gorges, gentle slopes and lush woodlands. Use either the Fiery Gizzard North or Fiery Gizzard South trailheads to begin this adventure!
Bring the color inside with you
Stay in a place that surrounds you with color even when you're resting from your adventure...
Tree Lofts
Luxurious modern loft cabins overlooking the bluff in Beersheba Springs
Terralodge
Luxury domes and treehouses in a wooded setting
The Falls at Sewanee Creek
Unique cabins and glamping options with private waterfall, trails & outdoor movie theater