Now that spring has officially arrived, there’s no better time than now to explore our beautiful, nearby state parks.

South Cumberland, Savage Gulf and Tims Ford state parks are located within Franklin and Grundy counties and offer plenty of hiking opportunities, whether on your own or guided by a park ranger.

In addition to hikes, Tims Ford State Park offers boating, picnicking, golfing and much more.

South Cumberland’s 30,845 acres provides some of the most exciting and rugged hiking and backcountry camping in the region with 12 trailheads to explore. For more information, visit the park’s website at tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland or call the visitor center at 931-924-2980.

The visitor center is located at 11745 US Hwy. 41 in Monteagle.

Tims Ford State Park, located at 570 Tims Ford Dr. in Winchester, encompasses 3,546 acres in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau. Lakeview Marina, located within the park, provides pontoon boat, canoe and kayak rentals as well as a boat launch and courtesy dock.

Tims Ford Lake is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Tennessee and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast. The park includes the Bear Trace golf course and camping sites as well as cabin rentals. For detailed information on the park, call the visitor center at 931-968-3536 or visit tnstateparks.com/parks/info/tims-ford.

Savage Gulf State Park, 11745 US Hwy. 41, Monteagle, had been part of South Cumberland State Park prior to the designation as a new and separate Tennessee State Park.

Savage Gulf offers about 60 miles of hiking trails, backcountry camping and picnic areas. The park has four trailhead parking lots. Savage Gulf Savage Gulf has nine backcountry campgrounds (Hobbs, Dinky Line, Savage Falls, Stagecoach Road, Collin West, Savage Station, Alum Gap, Sawmill and Stone Door) that can be reserved online.

The Stone Door trailhead offers restroom facilities, a ranger station, a picnic area and a picnic pavilion. The bluffs at Stone Door offer visitors the opportunity to rock climb and rappel with seven designated routes (permits required).

Trail maps are available at the SCRC visitor center. For information, call 931-924-2980 or visit tnstateparks.com/parks/savage-gulf.

The following ranger-guided park activities are open to the public. Supervised adventures are a great way to meet new people who share your interest in the outdoors. 

All events will be guided by park staff who are knowledgeable when it comes to the natural, cultural and historical treasures in our parks. Participants are sure to learn something new. 

Register in advance as some events have a capacity limit and a fee.

March 28

Tree-mendous hike

Join Alex Cope for a tree-mendous hike on the Lost Creek Overlook Trail inside Tims Ford State Park on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the visitor’s center for this free, awe-inspiring hike to learn about the foundations of basic tree identification.

March 29

Tree-mendous hike

Join Alex Cope for a tree-mendous hike on the Lost Creek Overlook Trail  inside Tims Ford State Park on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the visitor’s center for this free, awe-inspiring hike to learn about the foundations of basic tree identification.

March 31

Waterfall hike

Beat the weekend crowd for a spring waterfall hike in South Cumberland State Park on Friday from 1-3 p.m. This two-mile, moderate hike will be led by Park Ranger Jessie DeRight. Meet at Fiery Gizzard North, 131 Fiery Gizzard Road, Tracy City. Cost is $10. Register at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/south-cumberland.

April 1

Day loop hike

Join Park Ranger Mark Greenwood on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Savage Gulf day loop hike in South Cumberland State Park. This is a five-mile, basic, introductory, roundtrip hike. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and younger. Register at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/south-cumberland.

April 1

Bluebird seminar

Crimson Clover Master Gardener Reeda Best will give a talk all about bluebirds on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at Tims Ford State Park’s visitor center.  This a free event.

April 2

Wildflower hike

Join Park Ranger Kelsey Garcia for a 2.6-mile wildflower hike at Boiling Fork inside Tims Ford State Park on April 2 from 2-5 p.m. Meet at the Boiling Ford Trailhead at 129 Fairview Campground Road. Cost is free. Donations are welcome.

April 6

Day loop hike

Join Park Ranger Mark Greenwood on April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Savage Gulf day loop hike inside South Cumberland State Park. This is a five-mile, basic, introductory, roundtrip hike of the Savage Gulf. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and younger. Register at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/south-cumberland.

April 29-30

Overnight backpacking

An overnight backpacking trip to Evans Loop at Tims Ford State Park will be held starting at 9 a.m. on April 29 and ending on April 30 at 1 p.m. Meet at the park’s nature center to hike about seven miles to the campsite near the lake to spend the night. Meals and snacks will not be provided. Pack swimwear if desired. Cost is $45 for children ages 12-18 and $60 for adults. Registration is required. Visit tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford for information.

April 29-30

Backpack the Gizzard

Join Park Ranger Ryan Harris on a backpacking trip of the Fiery Gizzard trail. This will be a point-to-point, two-day hike with a shuttle at the end.  Meet at Grundy Forest trailhead at 8 a.m. on April 29 for a gear shakedown, food dispersement and a meet and greet. Backpackers will hike a tough, 7.5-mile trek to camp the first day and 6 miles the following day, returning at 2 p.m. via shuttle. The trip is very difficult and strenuous. The park will supply gear needed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Food will also be provided. Cost is $85. Register at tnstateparks.com/parks/events/south-cumberland.

June 3-4

Overnight backpacking

An overnight backpacking trip to Evans Loop at Tims Ford State Park will be held starting at 9 a.m. on June 3 and ending on June 4 at 1 p.m. Meet at the park’s nature center to hike about seven miles to the campsite near the lake to spend the night. Meals and snacks will not be provided. Pack swimwear if desired. Cost is $45 for children ages 12-18 and $60 for adults. Registration is required. Visit tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford for information.