Fall Local Living 2023

Fall Local Living—23 F all in Tennessee is spectacular, and es- pecially so in Grundy County. With com- munities atop and in the valley of the South Cumberland Plateau outdoors adventures are aplenty. For hikers and naturalists, there are two state parks spanning over 31,000 acres and spread across the plateau. South Cum- berland State Park, established in 1978, is composed of approximately 12,166 acres and boasts some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region. SCSP spans three counties: Grundy, Franklin, and Marion. There are lots of areas to explore in- cluding Fiery Gizzard, Greeter Falls, Moun- tain Goat Trail, and Grundy Lakes. Savage Gulf State Park, until recently a part of SCSP, located in Grundy and Se- quatchie counties, is the newest state park in Tennessee, bringing the total of Tennessee’s state parks to 57. The park, featuring one of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness ar- eas, includes the nearly 19,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Many of the trails are perfect for wild fl ower hunts as the hiker traverses the di ff erent environs of the top of the plateau and the deep gulfs. The view of the gulf from the Stone Door is a must see when the fall colors are at their height. Day hiking essentials of hiking footwear and weather-appropriate clothing should al- ways include a backpack that contains food, water, fi rst-aid kit, and a knife or multi-tool. Looking for adventure without having to stockpile essentials? Pelham is a small unincorporated community and is home to the world renowned subterranean live mu- sic venue, The Caverns. Opened in 2018, the cave can accommodate up to 1200 people for standing room shows. Four years later The Caverns Amphitheater opened. The outdoor space can hold over 7000 concert and festival goers. This fall, The Caverns is gearing up for the second annual Cave Fest. It features a curated line-up of music, music above and below ground, over three days with free on- site camping, open underground jam ses- sions, cave tours, delicious food trucks, local vendors, and more. For more information on Cave Fest, visit its website at thecaverns. com Find your fall adventure in Grundy County