This Underrated Tennessee State Park Offers Incredible Hiking And Backcountry Camping

If you're a nature lover on the hunt for rugged beauty, South Cumberland State Park is one of Tennessee's most underrated outdoor destinations for camping and hiking trails. It is located just a 1.5 hour drive southeast of Nashville and less than a 10 minute drive from the small towns of Tracy City and Monteagle, making it convenient for those on the hunt for a nature escape that's still surrounded by modern day conveniences such as shops, restaurants, and cozy cabins and hotels.

Many choose to drive in by car, but those choosing to visit from out of state can fly into Nashville International Airport. From there, visitors can enjoy a fairly direct drive in along I-24. On arrival, visitors can choose from a selection of different parking spots depending on which area they plan on visiting, but it must be noted that not all areas allow overnight parking.

The park itself covers over 23,386 acres across nine separate areas, with locations in four different Tennessee counties. No matter which you choose to visit, you'll find a range of stunning rock formations, cascading waterfalls, lush woodlands, and beautiful panoramic views. There is also a huge range of activities to be enjoyed here; everything from hiking to hunting to caving and climbing!

When it comes to stunning hiking trails, there are plenty to choose from at South Cumberland State Park. Fiery Gizzard Trail is notably one of the most beautiful hikes for fall foliage; stretching one-way for 12.5 miles, it is a moderate hike connecting Grundy Forest and Foster Falls. If you're just starting out with hiking or looking for an easy, short trail to explore the gorgeous wildlife in the area, then the Meadow Trail hike, located near the visitor center, is a great choice. This round trip hike runs for only 1 mile, and boasts views of wildflowers, wildlife, and a pretty pond.

Caving is another great pastime that visitors can enjoy at South Cumberland State Park. Buggytop Cave can be reached via a 2 mile hike, and it's recommended to visit as part of a ranger-led hike to ensure your safety. The hiking trails both inside and outside the cave are strenuous and wet, so it's important to be prepared with all the correct gear and equipment and to ensure you never go caving alone. To further ensure safety, permits are required for those wishing to visit the cave, and you should register either online or directly with park management in advance of your visit.

When it comes to camping in South Cumberland State Park, there's a great selection of options to choose from in deciding where to stay. It's worth noting though that if you plan on bringing a pop-up or small car to camp with, then Foster Falls is the only campsite that allows parking. Prices start at $8 per night, and group camping options are available for up to 30 people if booked well in advance at a range of different sites.

While the park has plenty of campgrounds to choose from, many people planning on visiting South Cumberland State Park also choose to spend some time in the country music capital of the world. That said, there's plenty of interesting and fun things to do in Nashville that go beyond music, if you're looking for a more cultural getaway. 

For those looking to escape Nashville's crowds at a nearby state park, there is also the gorgeous Bledsoe Creek State Park. This makes an excellent addition to your trip if you're looking to explore as much of Tennessee's wilderness as possible!

For those planning to just stay in Cumberland State Park, though, it's advised to bring sturdy hiking boots, a trash bag, your own toilet paper, and bug spray. If you plan on visiting in hot weather, then sunscreen and a suitable sun hat are also recommended, as temperatures reach highs of around 90°F.