| COUNTY: | Grundy | ACREAGE: | 234 Acres |
| 7.5' QUADRANGLE: | Borrow Cove, Tracy City, Monteagle, and White City |
OWNERSHIP: | State of Tennessee |
| PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCE: |
Cumberland Plateau | YEAR DESIGNATED: | 1974 |
DESCRIPTION: |
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Grundy
Forest is a 234-acre natural area located in Grundy County. In 1935, it
was donated to the state by the town of Tracy City to accommodate a Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The CCC built the picnic shelter here in
the 1930's. The state originally managed the site as Grundy State Forest.
The management responsibility was transferred from the Division of Forestry
to the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1978. It eventually became
part of the South Cumberland Recreation Area. The natural area serves
as the northern trailhead of the Fiery Gizzard Trail that connects with
the TVA Foster Falls Small Wild Area at the southern trailhead 12 miles
away.
The area features cascading streams, waterfalls, rockhouses, rock formations, hemlock cove forest, dry upland pine forest, and steep cliffs. Several waterfalls can be found including Hanes Hole Falls, Blue Hole Falls (10 feet) and Sycamore Falls (12 feet). The cool gorge also contains the Cave Springs Rock House, where nearby there stands a 500-year-old hemlock. Other interesting features include a five-feet-wide by 30-feet-deep gorge named the Black Canyon, and the Chimney Rocks, which are rock formations that range from 25 to 60 feet tall. The area is recognized for its diversity of wildflowers, mosses and liverworts, and its wildlife.
SITE MANAGEMENT:
South Cumberland Recreation Area (https://www.tnstateparks.com/SouthCumberland/), 11745 US 41, Monteagle, TN 37356, phone (931) 924-2980. Division of Natural Areas, 401 Church Street, 7th Floor L&C Annex, Nashville, TN 37243-0447, phone (615) 532-0431.
PUBLIC ACCESS:
The natural area is operated by Tennessee State Parks. There is parking, several miles of hiking trails, backcountry camping, and a picnic shelter available.
DIRECTIONS:
Grundy Forest is located on the southwest side of Tracy City. The natural area is accessed via Highway 41/56 in Tracy City. Just after entering the town on the west side, or just before leaving the town coming from the east, look for the Grundy Forest Natural Area sign. Turn and follow the signs through 2 more right turns before entering the parking area.
