Fiery Gizzard Ridge Trail
Cumberland mining road to hiking paradise.
The Fiery Gizzard Trail may be famous for hiking, but the access roads tell their own story of Tennessee grit. This 12-mile route follows old mining and logging roads from Tracy City deep into the South Cumberland State Park backcountry, providing 4×4 access to some of the trail’s most spectacular sections. The route crosses Fiery Gizzard Creek multiple times and navigates technical limestone ledges where coal miners once hauled equipment to remote camps.
Difficult rating earned through tight turns, steep descents, and rocky creek crossings that can turn nasty during high water. Requires articulating 4WD with good ground clearance and rock protection. Avoid during heavy rains when creek crossings become dangerous. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with lower water levels and comfortable temperatures. No permits needed for vehicle access, but camping requires coordination with state park officials. Multiple primitive spots along the creek provide excellent base camps for exploring the area’s extensive cave systems and waterfalls.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with rock protection |
| Nearest town | Tracy City, TN |
| Land manager | South Cumberland State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | tnstateparks.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run Fiery Gizzard Ridge, or do I need modifications?
A stock Wrangler can make it, but you'll want rock sliders and skid plates at minimum. The technical rock sections will punish unprotected rocker panels and oil pans — this is rated as a modified 4WD trail for a reason.
Is Fiery Gizzard Ridge accessible year-round or does it close seasonally?
Best window is May through October. Winter mud and ice make the rock sections significantly more dangerous, and South Cumberland State Park may restrict access after heavy rain or during freeze-thaw cycles — call the park before heading out in shoulder seasons.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to run this trail?
South Cumberland State Park manages the area — no permit is required for the 4WD access route, but check with the park directly at tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland for current regulations, as dispersed camping rules can change.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be prepared for?
The technical rock sections mid-trail are the crux — loose rock, off-camber ledges, and limited room for error. The creek fords can vary from ankle-deep to knee-deep depending on recent rainfall, so scout before you commit.
There's zero cell service out there — how far is the nearest gas and is there a bailout option if something breaks?
Tracy City is your last stop for fuel — fill up before you leave town, it's about 12 miles out and back with no services on trail. There's no easy bailout mid-route, so go with a buddy and carry recovery gear; a solo breakdown here means a long wait for help.
Trail track
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