The park's unusual name originates from a local legend about a pioneer who threw a fiery gizzard of a wild turkey into the creek during a cooking accident.
It features one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in Tennessee, including the 20-foot Sycamore Falls.
The Fiery Gizzard Trail is part of the larger Mountain Goat Trail system and connects to the Savage Gulf State Natural Area.
The area is home to rare and endangered plant species, including the endangered Cumberland Rosemary.
The terrain displays dramatic examples of 'cliff-line' geology, which provides crucial habitats for bats and various raptors.
Fiery Gizzard State Park is a core segment of the South Cumberland State Park system, featuring a rugged canyon carved by the Fiery Gizzard Creek. The terrain is defined by massive sandstone bluffs, deep coves, and significant elevation changes. Hikers traverse diverse ecosystems, ranging from hemlock-lined gorges to dry, rocky ridgetops. The park contains a section of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, which is nationally recognized for its geological complexity and waterfall density. Notable features include Sycamore Falls, Hanes Hole Falls, and the iconic Rock Creek area. The area is geologically part of the Cumberland Plateau, characterized by karst topography and frequent rock shelters.
The rock overlook above Sycamore Falls offering a panoramic view of the creek gorge.
A state-issued parking permit is required and must be displayed on your dashboard.
The trail difficulty is strenuous; carry at least two liters of water per person as there are few reliable refill points.
Always check the South Cumberland State Park website for current trail closure notices before departing.
Attempting the full loop trail without prior experience or sufficient daylight; underestimating the steep vertical ascent at the end of the hike.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support; stay strictly on marked trails to protect fragile cliff-side vegetation.
