Savage Gulf

“My husband is wanting he and I to go on a trip to Savage Gulf in 2 weeks. I'm all for it, but wanted to gather a bit of info before we get locked into this plan. I've got plenty of trail info on the place and directions. What I've read says its a place best visited in cooler weather and at times of more rainfall. I know Walkindude and a whole bunch of TT'ers have been there before. We've had more rain than usual for Summer. Reckon there will be enough water flowing and coming over the falls in the gorge to make it worthwhile?
If ya don't think so .. his second choice for a trip was Burgess Falls and up that way. Its ok with me, but of the two I think I'd rather go to Savage Gulf. He's wanting to go someplace to see something "spectacular".”

“It depends on which falls you are interested in visiting. Most have water flowing all of the time, some are mostly wet weather falls. This is the begining of the dry season and the creeks are not full as they are in the wetter times. But if you have got the time there are alot of water falls in the park. Some are listed on the trail maps and some are not. Spectacular, that just depends. I think so. Try climbing them.”

“Water shouldn't be a problem at SG.
What area (trails) are you thinking of doing?”

“Housepound Falls is the most powerfull falls in the park but it takes a little longer to get there.

You can see Greeter Falls, Ranger Falls and Laurel Falls pretty easy.”

“Sutter Falls is Cool too.”

“Burgess Falls is OK but I wouldn't drive over 30 mins to see it. The trail in is only about 1/2 mile.”

“Savage Gulf trails to do and falls to see? All of them! I have the Waterfalls of TN book and Horsepound, Greeter, Ranger,Laurel and Savage Gulf are all definites if we go there. I counted 10 possible falls to visit in that area and that is just the ones known. Climbing them is a good possibility. Rock climbing is something we both enjoy and don't get to do enough. We'll take the gear along if thats our destination. I want to head down to Monteagle if we go down that way. Visit the Winery and Monteagle Falls. Go by Tracy City and visit Dutchmaid Bakery! Lots to do and see. Burgess Falls doesnt have the appeal to me for some reason. Its his pick though. I appreciate the info. If we decide to go to Burgess Falls we'll stay in the Rock Island State Park area and visit Burgess Falls, Cummins Falls, Great Falls, Lower Great Falls, and Twin Falls. I'd love to talk the folks at Evins Mill Retreat into letting us check that out as well... Cul-Car-Mac Falls is there.”

“If you plan to Rock climb, the only place they allow that is at Stone Door. There are not many routes there but there are two or three three that are worthe doing. Most can be top roped. Very few Trad routes. No sport routes at all. If you want Sport routes ya gotta go to Foster Falls.


Back to Water Falls,
Have you been to Bridalvail Falls at Sawanee?
There is some nice ones at Franklin State Forest too.”

“Thanks again for the heads up on the climbing possibilities. I've been to Foster Falls and camped and climbed, hiked. etc.
Have not been to Sewanee, but have considered the possibilities in that area. I think it would be a prettier Spring trip when Abbo's Alley is at its peak but no further away than it is.... quite tempting. We'll take the guidebooks with us and just go where the spirit leads. Bridal Veil Falls in that area is one of those extra neat waterfalls. Comes out of nowhere.... disappears into nowhere.:-)”

“If ya need any trail maps for that area, let me know. If it's on a map, I prolly got it.”

“There are several good places to climb near Bridal Veil Falls on the Sewanee perimeter trail. I saw people climbing between Bridal Veil and the Veterans Memorial (The big Cross). While you are there check out the buggy top trail, it has a cave you can hike into! Be sure to follow the recommendations on the cave trail. It is really "cool" for a fall hike, as the temp will have you wanting some fleece to wear. I will see if I can find more info. Now where did I put that trial map!”

“Yeah, Good Call Karo.

That trail is also on the same map for Foster Falls.”

“If you go near Tracy City be sure to check out the loop at the north end of Firey Gizzard trail. Also if you drive past Dutch Maid Bakery and turn left go to Grundy lakes and check out the coke ovens. This is also on the way to Foster Falls which is the tallest next to Fall Creek Falls in this area. Just outside Monteagle is the South Cumberland State Park Headquarters, this should be your first stop in the area for info, maps, and possible a ranger guided tour. Here is their link:
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/socumb/index.html
I am going down tomorrow, 9/11, let me know if I can pick up something for you in particular. Anyone else interested? Drop me a line at my e-mail address.”

“Wish I could go with, karo, but I am going to be busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking competition tomorrow...”

“I appreciate it. You-uns are too good to me. Hope you have a fine weekend. I gotta work this weekend at the Big Hospital. Just Thu. Fri, Sat. Got Sunday off. Then next weekend I can have some fun.”