Overnight Idea for Young Kiddos and Older Dog

David from Nashville is planning to bring his 10 year old son, 13 year old daughter and 11 year old dog to South Cumberland this Saturday for a hike and overnight. A short non-strenuous hike first afternoon, a 3-4 mile more strenuous hike the next morning.

First point, David, is that there is no car camping at South Cumberland other than the TVA campground at Foster Falls which is managed by TVA (and there is modest daily fee). This campground is very popular this time of year.

The alternative is primitive campsites close to the parking areas at Savage Gulf and Stone Door Ranger Stations.

If you camped at Stone Door, you have the 2 mile out and back to the overlook which is easy. Next day you could hike the Laurel Trail to Alum Gap and go a little farther to Greeter Falls, come back on the Big Creek Rim Trail to the Stone Door overlook and back. That would be about 5 miles with lots of great scenery.

Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a lead at all times. Around the Stone Door overlook or any other place in the Park where kiddos are close to the edge of the bluff, teach them about the climbers' rule and about the potential for vertigo. Be safe, have fun.

Cheers,

Ron Castle