The club has hiked at the amazing Savage Gulf a few times in the past and it became a protected state natural area in 1971. Named for the Savage family who kept portions wild, the gulf remains a large expanse of untouched wilderness carved deep into the west slope of the Cumberland Plateau. Now it has become one of the newest State Parks in 2024 so it's a good time to go back while it’s still relatively untouched (RV campground and lake are already planned).

It is a bit of a drive from our area and we made a dinner stop at Cumberland Mountain State Park on the way back on one trip which is a good option this time. A car shuttle is planned so we can hike through the heart of Savage Gulf and enjoy several of the highlights. We will leave some cars at the south trailhead and drive around to the north trailhead and ranger station.

We'll begin hiking over to Laurel Falls then along the rim and down through the famous Stone Door and into the Big Creek arm of the gulf. The connector trail leads over to the Collins Gulf trail, which we follow upstream past the Savage Cabin site, a spring and the interesting Horsepound Falls. Past the falls, the trail continues along the Collins river then climbs out of the canyon up past Suter Falls to the cars at the south trailhead.

Hike total about 11 miles. Elevation loss and gain 1000 ft. Rated moderate to difficult.

Meet at the Harriman Lowe's parking lot at 6:30 am and plan on being back very late. Drive 230 miles RT = $16 for drivers. Please register in advance to help with car pool arrangements.