Park Happenings

Event Details

Join Ranger Hannah for a challenging overnight backpacking adventure along the 13-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail! This strenuous trek will take participants through the rugged and scenic Fiery Gizzard, featuring rocky terrain, steep elevation changes, creek crossings, waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular scenery on the Cumberland Plateau.

This program is intended for experienced backpackers. Participants should have previous backpacking experience, be comfortable carrying a fully loaded overnight pack, and be physically prepared to hike long distances over very strenuous and uneven terrain.

The hike will begin at 8AM at the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead. We will then hike 10.5-miles to Small Wilds campground the first night, set up camp, relax and enjoy the sunset from a nearby overlook. We will wrap up the remaining 2.5 miles to Foster Falls the following day. This hike will go through the Fiery Gizzard gorge which is 4miles of strenuous terrain due to the rocky trail and steep elevation gains.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear. We can provide equipment if needed (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, & backpack). These items are for those who need them and will be on a first-come first-serve basis.

Participants need to have:

-Sturdy hiking boots

-Overnight backpack

-Sleeping pad

-Sleeping bag

-Extra socks

-Extra clothing

-Rain coat

-Water

-Camp stove

-Toiletries

- Snacks

-Trekking poles (optional but recommended)

Meals (dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday) will be provided. If anyone has any food allergies, please reach out to Ranger Hannah so she can make proper adjustments.

This trip is ages 15 and up and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. This event is limited to the first 10 people who register. Registration for this event will end October 13th. If you register for this event but must cancel for whatever reason, then you must do so before October 17th by 4:00 p.m. to receive a refund. If the Ranger decides to cancel for dangerous weather conditions, then she will do so by noon on October 23rd, and refunds will be issued to participants. 

Before registering, each potential participant needs to review the program EEC (Essential Eligibility Criteria) at the bottom of the page for program criteria.