Savage Gulf Backpack Loop

Located in central Tennesse in the South Cumberland mountains, Savage Gulf is 15,590-acre natural area carved like a giant crowfoot into the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau.  It is one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas.  This natural area is a part of the South Cumberland State Park.  Savage Gulf is on the Registry of National Natural Landmarks.

This is two night backpacking trip.  Please have prior multi-night backpacking experience.  In addition, please have a reasonable level of fitness (enough to complete ~20 miles of intermediate to advanced backpacking and avoid the dreaded "bonk"!)

The number of dogs is limited to 2, and there will already be one dog, Cedar, attending the event.  Please be aware that the Connector Trail we'll be hiking on Day 2 is very rocky and may be difficult for some dogs to traverse. 

The hike is structured so that we can maximize our time in the wilderness enjoying this remote and primitive area.  The tentative itinerary is as follows.  

Day 1 - Arrive at the Ranger Station and register.  We'll then start out on our 8.2 mile hike to Hobbs’s Cabin, where we will spend our first night.  It's a fairly easy route and there are a lot of beautiful overlooks along the North Rim Trail that we'll be hiking.  Plan on stopping frequently along the way to enjoy the scenery.  Once at camp, we'll set-up, gather some firewood, and prepare dinner while enjoying camaraderie and fellowship.

Day 2 - The days hike will be 5.8 miles.  We'll leave late in the morning and begin day 2 by hiking along the Connector Trail.  This is a very rocky and treacherous stretch; therefore we will not be in any hurry so as to avoid injury or mishaps.   At mile 11.2 we'll stop at Sawmill campsite to check it out and take a break.  We will continue up the historic Stagecoach Trail, another rocky and rough climb.  The scenery is interesting here, as huge boulders litter the forest.  At mile 14 we will reach Stage Road campsite, where we will spend our second night.  There is a spring located nearby for water.  Once at camp, like the first night, we'll gather some firewood and prepare dinner while enjoying camaraderie and fellowship.  

Day 3 - The final days hike will be 5.9 miles.  On our last day, we'll plan on getting an earlier start.  The South Rim Trail that we'll be hiking follows the same pattern of the North Rim Trial that we hiked on Day 1 - cross a stream bed, then head to the rim edge and an overlook, then dip back and hike along to another overlook.  Most of the overlooks are accessed on spur trails, and most of the streambeds will be dry under normal conditions.  Overlooks will be found at 14.1 miles, 14.3 miles, 14.5 miles, 14.7 miles, and 14.8 miles.  At mile 15.1 we can check out the remains of an old moonshine still.  There are several more overlooks until mile 18.5, where we cross a suspension bridge and complete the loop portion of our hike.  The final 1.4 miles returns us back to the Savage Gulf Ranger Station.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates are: N35 26.06' / W85 32.38'

Ranger Station Address: 31557 State Route 399, Palmer, TN 37365

We need to register at the Ranger Station before beginning our hike.

Here's a link to a book by Johnny Molloy that provides the details for this particular Savage Gulf backpackng loop trip: