Winter Hiking on the South Cumberland Plateau
Tennessee’s Stick Season (December-February) is generally a time of unpredictable weather.
Visitors are advised to include both tank tops and thermals in their luggage, often to be used in the same 24 hour period.
Roller-coaster forecasts aside, Winter in our area is quite breathtaking.
Suter Falls | Savage Gulf South Trailhead
A large portion of our trees are deciduous; as they shed their layers, more of the forest is revealed. Sunrise is a sight to behold, even more so when it isn’t fully shrouded in foliage.
Without the chorus of birdsong, the trails are much more quiet this time of year.
Frequent rain showers fill the nearby tributaries and waterfalls.
Foster Falls | Fiery Gizzard South Trailhead
The sun casts more dramatic shadows. On weekdays it is common to have a trail to yourself.
This year we have seen quite a bit of snow for our standards. One particular January event stuck around for a week and brought some ice along with it.
Grundy Day Loop | Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead
The extended duration of below freezing temperatures + several snowfalls turned the South Cumberland Plateau into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
Those who braved the slicker-than-snot conditions were rewarded with some incredible scenery.
(Image set taken by Tyler Hankins) Savage Gulf North | Lost Cove North | Savage Gulf West
It would be a disservice to these spaces and their caretakers if we fail to mention how much more dangerous the trails and access roads become during extreme winter conditions.
Hats off to all the hardworking folks who keep the outdoors safe and accessible.
As we round the corner and look towards Spring, we can’t help but relish the last few weeks of calm before our busy season begins.
If you are looking for an escape from your hectic schedule, join us for a peaceful weekend on the Plateau.
