top of page
Savage Gulf North

Savage Gulf North trailhead

Take TN Highway 56 north from Tracy City, through Altamont to Beeersheba Springs (about 20 miles).  Look for the large brown park sign, then turn right on Stone Door Road. Follow Stone Door Road about 1.5 miles, out to its end at the Stone Door Ranger Station parking area.

Features:
Big Creek 3-Day Overnight Hike
Difficult
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.

Big Creek Sink
Difficult
Big Creek Sink

Big Creek disappears into an underground cave at this location, only to emerge further downstream. There's a steep descent/return ascent into/out of Big Creek Gulf. Otherwise, it's a moderate-to-easy hike. Access this adventure from either the Savage Gulf North or Savage Gulf East trailheads.

Laurel Falls
Moderate
Laurel Falls

This 400-foot trail, next to the Stone Door Ranger Station, leads to a picturesque waterfall. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.

Ranger Falls
Difficult
Ranger Falls

Ranger Falls has no visible outflow; under normal flow, 100% of its water flows into an underground cave. Access this unusual adventure from the Savage Gulf West or Savage Gulf North trailheads.

Schwoon Spring
Difficult
Schwoon Spring

This spring, named for early settler Fred Schwoon, was an important source of fresh water for the early residents of Savage Gulf. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North Trailhead.

Stone Door Campground
Easy
Stone Door Campground

The back-country Stone Door Campground is secluded, but close to parking and bathrooms. Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.

Stone Door Overlook
Easy
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.

bottom of page