Carved like a giant crow foot into the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, the Savage Gulf State Natural Area is one of Tennessee's most senic state outdoor recreation areas. At a length of five miles each, the Big Creek, Collins River and Savage Creeks tumble down over 800 feet in elevation through narrow gorges, locally known as "Gulfs". Rimmed by sheer sandstone cliffs, the rugged canyons offer the hardy visitor a fine glimpse of the true wilderness still remaining in our State's midsection.
The Stone Door was used for centuries by the Indians as a passageway from the top of the escarpment into the gorges below. Like a giant door left ajar, the crack is 10 feet wide and 100 feet deep.
At the other end of the gorge are the Savage Day Loop and the North and South Rim Trails. These trails offer spectacular views with easy to moderate terrain. Accompaning pictures are the Savage Falls and the view from Rattlesnake Rock both on the 4 mile dayloop.
Continuing on the North Rim trail brings many more beautiful overlooks and the short waterfall pictured.

The entrance to these trails is at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station (423-779-3532). From Chattanooga, take US127 to Dunlap, then TN111 to TN399. Signs pointing to Savage Gulf clearly mark the turns.

One of the most challenging trails in the Savage Gulf Natural Area is the Collins Gulf Trail. The Collins Gulf area abounds with wild flowers and has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Gulf, Suter Falls. However, the descent to the falls and indeed much of the trail is rocky ,steep and difficult. The trail continues on past the falls into a spectacular wildflower area.
However, during times of high water this trail may be closed as Falls Creek and Collins River both must be crossed. Both are typically dry as, is common in this area, most of the water sinks underground at various points (see picture of Falls Creek Sink) , but may be impassable if there has been enough rain in the area to flood the underground streams and overflow into the surface river beds. Also note that the stream below Suter Falls (picture) must be waded. This trail may be reached thru the Collins West Campsite which is a short hike away from a trailhead located on 55th Avenue out of Grutli-Lager.

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