4-Hour Engagement Session at Savage Gulf State Park

Savage Gulf, Tennessee’s newest state park, spans nearly 19,000 acres across Grundy and Sequatchie counties, offering 60 miles of scenic hiking trails. On the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, this stunning natural area boasts breathtaking views, along with short hikes that lead to both mountain vistas and waterfalls.

Greeter Falls Loop

This four-hour adventure kicked off with a descent into a gorge that featured a chilly swimming hole—perfect for a cold plunge, especially in October! Greeter Falls is a dog-friendly, 1.1-mile loop trail that features rocky overhangs and a beautiful waterfall. Though rated as moderately difficult due to its steep incline and numerous steps, the hike is definitely worth the effort. The waterfall’s flow can vary from a gentle trickle to a powerful cascade, depending on recent rainfall.

Laurel Gulf Overlook

Back at our vehicles, we took a quick break to dry off and change outfits before setting off on the second hike of their adventure engagement session. On the 1.9-mile out-and-back trail, we paused at the Laurel Gulf Overlook to take in the breathtaking view of the expansive mountain ranges.

(approximately 0.3 miles from the Stone Door trailhead)

The overlook platform features a colorblind-friendly viewfinder designed to help those with red-green colorblindness. This unique lens allows individuals with color vision deficiencies to experience a broader spectrum of vibrant, clear colors. As a result, more people can enjoy Tennessee’s stunning fall landscapes, filled with rich greens, fiery reds, warm oranges, and bright yellows.

Stone Door Trail

Nestled in one of Tennessee’s most picturesque wilderness areas, the Stone Door Trail offers a stunning mix of towering trees, awe-inspiring vistas, sandstone cliffs, and rugged canyons. The first quarter mile is paved, transitioning to a natural dirt path. After a mile of hiking, you’ll reach The Great Stone Door— a striking 10-foot-wide, 100-foot-deep crack in the earth that feels like an entrance to another world.

Big Creek Gulf Overlook

At the junction where Stone Door Trail branches off into Big Creek Gulf Trail and Big Creek Rim Trail, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas and dramatic sandstone cliffs. The sight of the sun casting its golden light across the mountain layers before dipping below the peaks is truly breathtaking.

Savage Gulf State Park Trail Maps

AllTrails:
Greeter Falls Loop
Stone Door Trail