We hiked at the Fiery Gizzard area of Savage Gulf in early October 2007 during a terrible drought. We were surprised to see even this much water in the creek. This pretty little waterfall was located along the Grundy Day Loop trail.

Kenny enjoys a gorgeous view of one of the gulfs. This area would not be a safe place to take small children, there are no fences or gates here! The cliff drops off several hundred feet!

I'm standing at the lower end of the Great Stone Door.

Under normal circumstances, this creek would have been flowing rapidly. However, due to the drought in 2007, there was just a trickle.

Heed the warning of these signs!

It's not often that you can be on the same level with a vulture! This bird was flying along the cliff at the Great Stone Door. At times it was flying below us.

The beginning of the trail to the Great Stone Door is paved to allow access for all visitors to the first overlook.

Great Stone Door

is a natural crack in the cliff, it was once used as a way to get to the top of the cliff to the river far at the bottom of the gorge.

This is one of many areas in the state (and nation) purchased and protected by the Nature Conservancy. This is a great organization that buys land to help protect unusual land forms and endangered plants and animals.

In our area, a "gulf" is a steep gorge cut by creeks through the sandstone cliffs. The views from the top of the cliffs is spectacular, especially in the autumn.

Stone steps have been added to the Great Stone Door trail to make the trek a bit safer.

The Great Stone Door is part of the Savage Gulf State Natural area in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area. This is one of 10 districts of the South Cumberland park system. It is located near Beersheba Springs, TN. map...