Backpacking Savage Gulf

Within Tennessee's South Cumberland Recreation Area lies the Savage Gulf Natural Area, 15,590 acres of countless hiking and backpacking opportunities along with rock climbing, bouldering, and magnificent views. The trails offer a variety of adventures for hikers of all skill levels.

Driving Directions to Great Stone Door Ranger Station location (GPS address: 1183 Stone Door Rd , Beersheba Springs, TN 37305)From the South Cumberland Visitor Center, turn left on TN 56/US 41S for 3 miles. Turn left on TN 56 at first stop light in Tracy City. Stay on TN 56 for 20.2 miles to Beersheba Springs. Turn right onto Stone Door Rd for 1.5 miles. Turn left into Ranger Station parking.

Beginning at the Stone Door Ranger Station, Stone Door Trail (0.9 miles total) follows a paved path for 0.2 miles and a gravel trail for the remainder of the trail. This trail contains 2 breathtaking overlooks - Laurel Falls & Stone Door Overlook. The Grand Finale of the trail is its namesake, Stone Door, a narrow 10 ft wide by 100 ft deep crack which resembles a giant door which has been left open. This historic landmark was used as a passageway for Native Americans.

Continuing downward, the trail crosses a very steep, rocky section to meet up with the Connector Trail and Big Creek Gulf Trail. Following the trail to the left begins the sometimes strenuous Connector Trail. The Connector Trail is a total of 6.7 miles with the latter section being the most difficult. Multiple suspension bridges offer incredible views and The Decatur Savage Historic Site is a wonderful break from the hike to experience a 1910-era cabin of the Savage Family, for which the area is named.

Once crossing the 3rd and final suspension bridge on this particular hike, it is advised to take the 0.3 mile trail to the right to Schwoon Spring for a water resupply. The spring is located within a cave at the end of this blue-blazed trail.

Returning to the suspension bridge, continue along The Connector Trail, passing Saw Mill campsite, to the Stagecoach Road Historic Trail. Stagecoach Trail follows sections of the old Stagecoach Road initially created as a route from McMinnville to Chattanooga; this 1.6 mile rocky roadbed passes rock walls and stone cribbing and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Passing a seasonal water supply/waterfall on the left the trails switches back to the left and passes over the top of the fall. In times where the fall is seemingly dry, there is a very small water source at the top; water filtration is a must at this point!

To conclude Day 1 of the hike, Stagecoach Road trail intersects and continues along the South Rim Trail for 1 mile to Stage Road campsites. These sites each offer privacy, fire rings, and level ground for tent-camping. There is an enclosed privy at the entrance to the campsite as well. Rangers monitor the campsites within Savage Gulf, so don't be alarmed when you encounter someone at your campsite requesting your name to verify your reservation at that specific site.

To complete this out-and-back hike the same trails should be followed; however, different routes can be created for a longer, more challenging, loop-hike back to the Stone Door Ranger Station.