Kentucky Meets Georgia at South Cumberland

Troy from Loganville, GA is working on plans to meet a friend from Kentucky and day hike for 4-5 days looking for or creating "geocaches." Questions are: is there someplace to camp so that they don't really have to backpack in their gear, and, what does it cost?

Last question is easy - the Park is free to the public, there are no camping or hiking fees. If this makes you feel guilty, you can always make a generous donation to the Friends of South Cumberland. Every nickle we raise goes to help the Park.

First question, there are primitive campsites within a very short walk of both the Stone Door Ranger Station and the Savage Gulf Ranger Station. These are normally intended for late arrivals but no reason you cannot camp there multiple days if you wish. Personally, I would choose Savage because you have more day hike options from there. Or, you could spend a couple of days at each spot.

Cheers,

Ron Castle

How Late Can You Get A Wilderness Permit?

A question from Jamie this morning: Hello! We have planned to backpack the Savage Gulf area Friday-Sunday, just a small weekend trip. One of our group members has a midterm, so we will not be able to arrive until about 7:00 p.m, but we were planning on just barely going into the area to the campground beside the Savage Gulf Ranger Station on this night. Is this too late, or can we arrange to get a permit? Thanks for your help; the web site has been extremely useful.

Hi, Jamie,

The access gate to the parking area at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station is usually closed and locked at dusk. So, first thing I recommend is to call the Ranger Station 931 779-3532 and ask if they will leave the gate open until you arrive. If you don't get an answer there, call the Visitor Center HQ 931 924-2980 and ask the same.

The campsite beside the Ranger Station should be fine for the evening. First thing Saturday morning you need to complete a back country permit for your group. This should not be a problem this weekend, but the Park will be very busy as the Fall Colors begin to peak.

See the post below about water. Your group will probably need to carry some extra water. Have fun.

Cheers,

Ron Castle