Hike to Sycamore Falls
Details
Distance
3.2 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Jon King
Hike to 3 beautiful Tennessee waterfalls on this easy loop hike.
Sycamore Falls is located in the Fiery Gizzard region of South Cumberland State Park. The trailhead is located just past Tracy City Elementary School on Fiery Gizzard Road. There is a large parking lot with restrooms at the trailhead.
Start your hike at the south end of the parking lot. This area of trail is known as the Grundy Day Loop trail. You'll quickly descend until the trail meets Little Fiery Gizzard Creek. Follow along the creek until you reach Blue Hole Falls. Blue Hole is a smaller waterfall but pours into a beautiful blue pool below.
At approximately 0.7 miles you'll reach a bridge. To reach Sycamore Falls, cross the bridge and merge on to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. You'll now be following Big Fiery Gizzard Creek. Continue for approximately 0.6 miles until you see the sign for Sycamore Falls. Here you can either follow the spur trail to the top of the falls or scramble down and cross the creek to view the base of the falls. In my opinion, the base of the falls offers the best scenery and is definitely worth getting your feet wet.
After hanging out at Sycamore, retrace your steps 0.6 miles back to the bridge. Turn left at the fork to finish the Grundy Day Loop. You'll quickly come across Hanes Hole Falls. Similar to Blue Hole, Hanes Hole is a small yet beautiful waterfall worth scrambling down to view. After Hanes Hole, follow the trail for another 1.3 miles. You'll cross Fiery Gizzard Road and a small camping area prior to ending back at the trailhead parking lot.
The trail is well marked and maintained. Make sure to bring a sturdy pair of sandals and a walking stick for the creek crossing at Sycamore Falls. In the summer time I imagine the pool below Sycamore is a nice swimming hole.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewBeautiful!
Such a beautiful easy hiking spot. I have enjoyed hiking these trails to these waterfalls numerous times throughout the seasons. Always a treat with so many waterfalls and the creek that runs through it.
5.0
Great Hike But NOT Easy
I took a group on this hike today with the impression that is was easy. It was not. While it is an incredibly beautiful hike, it is moderate to strenuous. The trail maps could be more detailed and a few more signs with information would be nice.
5.0
Great Day Hike
We got on the trail around 10 am and made it to the falls around 12:30. This was a great day hike with scenic views the entire hike.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.