This trail is perhaps one of the most diverse and beautiful in Tennessee. The section which starts at the Grundy Forest State Natural Area and climbs the plateau to Raven Point is perhaps one of the most rugged and difficult trails in Tennessee. The terrain in the gorge is steep and extremely rocky. Footing is this area is extremely difficult and precarious.
The section from Raven Point to Foster Falls is a completely different sort of experience. A full 90% of this section in on the gentle terrain of the Cumberland plateau. An exception is the portion which crosses Laurel Branch Gorge where the trail drops precipitously 200 feet into this gorge and climbs steeply out after fording Little Gizzard Creek.
The Fiery Gizzard trail starts at the Grundy Forest Natural Area Picnic Shelter. It descends steeply into the gorge beside Little Fiery Gizzard Creek. There is a large rock shelter and a 500+ year old hemlock at 0.2 mile.
The trail continues on down the gorge amid wildflowers in the spring and past some spectacular rock formations, among them being the pictured 'Chimney Rock'.

At 1.5 miles an alternate route to Raven Point, the Dog Hole Trail begins. It offers an easier hike for the less hardy hiker. It ascends quickly to the plateau and a pleasant stroll along the rim of the gorge with several beautiful overlooks the most beautiful of which is Werner Point Overlook. The Friends of South Cumberland have done a wonderful job of cleaning up and restoring this trail/area in recent years.


The Fiery Gizzard trail continues down the gorge jumping from one rock to another and finally climbs STEEPLY at 3.7 miles to Raven Point.
All this climbing on a summer's day may inspire the hiker to take a refreshing break whenever the opportunity arises along the trail!
The trail continues on from Raven point across private property (please stay on the marked trail at all times to preserve permission for public use of this wonderful trail) to the Little Gizzard Creek Small Wild Area where the one rugged portion of this section of trail lies.
After climbing out of Laurel Branch gorge, the trail enters the Foster Falls Small Wild Area. Foster Falls is a 60 foot waterfall plunging into a deep pool and forms the center of this TVA Small Wild Area. Picnic and camping facilities are available at this site.
The entrance to these trails is at the Grundy Forest Natural Area Picnic Shelter which is located in Tracy City, TN. Sign on State Route 56 west of Tracy City will direct you to the parking area. More information about Grundy Forest may be obtained at the South Cumberland Visitor Center located just 3 miles east of I-24 on US64 (615-924-9280).

From Chattanooga, take I-24 to the Monteagle exit and the US64 to TN56.
To go to the Foster Falls parking lot, continue on US64 until you see signs pointing to Foster Falls.

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