Little Cove Campground

For adventurous souls across Tennessee, the call of the wild often leads to the renowned Fiery Gizzard Trail, and for those embarking on a multi-day trek, Little Cove Campground stands as a welcoming beacon. Nestled within the rugged beauty of South Cumberland State Park near Sequatchie, this primitive backcountry campground offers an essential respite for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Little Cove Campground is not your typical drive-up camping experience; it's a true wilderness immersion, designed for those who appreciate the challenge and reward of backpacking. It serves as a strategic overnight stop, perfectly situated at roughly the halfway point between the North and South trailheads of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This makes it an ideal spot to break up the challenging 12.5-mile point-to-point hike, allowing adventurers to rest, recharge, and truly soak in the natural splendor of one of Tennessee's most celebrated trails. The campground embraces a rustic approach, providing basic necessities while encouraging a "leave no trace" philosophy, ensuring the pristine environment remains untouched for future generations. For anyone looking to truly unplug and experience the raw beauty of Tennessee's backcountry, Little Cove Campground offers an authentic and unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest replace the hum of daily life, and the vast expanse of the Tennessee sky offers a dazzling display of stars.

Little Cove Campground is uniquely positioned at Fiery Gizzard Trail, Sequatchie, TN 37374, USA, which immediately tells experienced hikers that this isn't a roadside stop. This campground is a backcountry site, meaning accessibility is primarily on foot via the challenging and rewarding Fiery Gizzard Trail. For locals in Tennessee, this offers a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated backpacking trip without needing to travel far. The campground is strategically located at approximately the halfway mark of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, making it an optimal stopping point for those hiking the full length of the trail from either the Grundy Forest (North) trailhead or the Foster Falls (South) trailhead. Reviews indicate it's about 0.25 to 0.5 miles off the main trail, involving a descent of around 140 feet via switchbacks, which, while manageable, requires hikers to be prepared for the slight detour. This distance from the main trail provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, perfect for an overnight stay. The area itself is part of the extensive South Cumberland State Park, renowned for its rugged terrain, stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and diverse forest ecosystems. While direct vehicle access is not available to the campsites, parking is provided at the main trailheads (Grundy Forest and Foster Falls). Visitors should plan their trip carefully, understanding that all supplies and water purification methods must be carried in. The journey to Little Cove Campground is part of the adventure, offering breathtaking scenery and a true immersion into the heart of Tennessee's wilderness, making it a highly rewarding destination for prepared backcountry enthusiasts.

• Designated Backcountry Campsites: Offers primitive sites specifically for overnight backpackers.
• Fire Rings: Each individual campsite is equipped with a designated fire ring for campfires.
• Pit Toilets/Outhouses: Basic restroom facilities are available at the campground for convenience.
• Water Sources: A seasonal creek is often available near campsites (particularly sites 3-5) for water filtration and refilling, especially in wetter months like May. A small spring may also be found at site #2 (water availability varies, especially in drier months like July, so purification is essential).
• Proximity to Trailheads: Situated approximately 6 miles from Foster Falls parking lot and 7.6 miles from the Grundy Forest parking lot, providing clear start/end points for your hike.
• Overnight Parking: Permitted at designated trailheads (Fiery Gizzard North at Grundy Forest or Fiery Gizzard South at Foster Falls) for registered campers.
• Leave No Trace Principles: Encourages campers to pack out everything they pack in, maintaining the pristine nature of the wilderness.
• Advance Online Reservations: Required for all overnight camping to ensure site availability and manage visitor impact.

• Strategic Trail Location: Perfectly positioned at the approximate halfway point (between milepost 5 and 5.5) of the iconic Fiery Gizzard Trail, making it an ideal overnight stop for thru-hikers.
• Authentic Backcountry Experience: Offers a truly primitive camping experience, encouraging self-sufficiency and deep immersion in nature away from modern amenities.
• Natural Water Sources: While seasonal, the presence of creeks near some campsites and a small spring at site #2 provides opportunities for water replenishment (though filtration is always necessary).
• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: Set off the main trail via a short descent, providing a quiet and undisturbed setting for rest and relaxation amidst the forest.
• Integral Part of a Premier Hiking Trail: Located on the Fiery Gizzard Trail, renowned for its stunning waterfalls, rock formations, diverse flora, and challenging terrain.
• Facilitates Multi-Day Adventures: Essential for those undertaking the full Fiery Gizzard trek, allowing for a comfortable break and preventing the need for an overly long single-day hike.
• Connect with Nature: Provides an ideal setting to observe local wildlife, enjoy the sounds of the forest, and stargaze away from light pollution.
• Managed by State Parks: Benefits from the oversight and management of Tennessee State Parks, ensuring basic infrastructure like fire rings and outhouses are maintained.
• Rewarding Challenge: The hike to and from the campground, including the switchback descent, contributes to the sense of accomplishment for backpackers.

Address: Fiery Gizzard Trail, Sequatchie, TN 37374, USA

Phone: While Little Cove Campground itself does not have a direct public phone number, it is managed as part of South Cumberland State Park. For reservations and general inquiries, you should contact the South Cumberland State Park office. Their main phone number for inquiries regarding camping and trail conditions is typically found on the official Tennessee State Parks website for South Cumberland State Park (e.g., 931-924-2980 for the main park office). Always check the Tennessee State Parks website for the most current contact details and reservation procedures, as camping here requires advance online reservations.

For Tennesseans with a passion for genuine outdoor adventure, Little Cove Campground on the Fiery Gizzard Trail offers an unparalleled local experience. Its location within South Cumberland State Park means it's a relatively accessible drive from many parts of the state, allowing residents to embark on significant backcountry excursions without the need for extensive travel. This convenience transforms a challenging multi-day hike into a feasible weekend or even mid-week escape. For those living in Tennessee, who often cherish the state’s abundant natural beauty and outdoor opportunities, Little Cove provides a direct gateway to some of the most spectacular wilderness areas. It encourages a deeper connection with the local landscape, offering an authentic primitive camping experience that contrasts sharply with more developed campgrounds. The opportunity to hike a world-class trail like Fiery Gizzard, known for its rugged beauty and challenging sections, then find a designated, albeit primitive, place to rest and refuel, is a unique draw. This campground caters specifically to the adventurous spirit of many Tennesseans who seek solitude, a physical challenge, and the simple joy of an overnight stay under the stars, far from the hustle and bustle. It's a reminder of the wild beauty that exists right in their backyard, fostering a sense of pride in Tennessee's natural heritage and providing an accessible yet profoundly rewarding backcountry adventure for all who embrace it.

Little Cove Campground

Fiery Gizzard Trail, Sequatchie, TN 37374, USA