Hike

Thursday, May 2 – Fiery Gizzard North and Dog Hole Trail. South Cumberland State Park, near Tracy City, TN. 8.5-10 miles depending on how many overlooks and waterfalls we include and rated difficult. Early morning start, exact time determined closer to the hike date. All day and expect around 7 hours hiking. The Fiery Gizzard Trail portion is about 4.5 miles long, with steep, uneven steps up the cliff. There are boulder fields to cross where we will be walking across uneven, very large rocks with awkward, uncomfortable footing for a considerable distance. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Dog Hole Trail is 2.8 miles. These two trails make a loop, the day loop is the beginning for both. Raven’s point overlook adds .8 mile. Plus side: Lots of water along the lower section, bring your filter if you like, but do carry a minimum of 2.5 liters of water. When we leave the creek area, water for filtering is uncertain. Probably water crossings a few inches deep. There are flowers and shade. There are waterfalls and beautiful scenery. The tougher part is the Fiery Gizzard section. The Dog Hole trail is much easier but not as interesting. We will eat our lunch at a scenic viewpoint, probably Raven’s Point. In the Avenza App, download South Cumberland State Park trail map to have a look at the route and elevations along the way. The elevation gain in vertical measure is around 200 feet, but it’s not a ladder so up/down many times along the way. The footing is challenging on the lower section, so it seems much longer than it is. Bring lunch, snacks, electrolytes, water, and clothing layers for the weather. Please meet me at Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead where restrooms are available. The parking lot is small and may be crowded, please arrive early. Extra parking is available but it’s an extra walk of several minutes. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jane Reyling at 702-279-7805 (text preferred) or email at JRYL76@gmail.com