Stone Door Loop

Hike Name: Stone Door Loop Location: southeast TN Length: 2 to 10 Submitted by: Ernie Creek Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Tennessee trail reviews Tennessee national parks Tennessee state parks
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Description
This series of trails can be combined into a loop of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. From the Stone Door Ranger Station, follow the Stone Door Trail 0.9 miles to a series of overlooks. This short trail is heavily touristed by school groups, rock climbers, etc. From this point, you can leave the crowds behind and either descend to the Big Creek Gulf trail, or hike along the Big Creek Rim trail.

The Big Creek Rim trail splits from the Stone Door trail just north of overlooks, and follows the edge of the Gulf for 3.2 miles over easy terrain. There are a number of beautiful small (and less crowded) overlooks along this trail. The Big Creek Gulf trail descends from the Stone Door vistas (stay to your right) and follows the course of a small stream for about a mile before beginning a rocky and moderately difficult 3 mile climb. As the Gulf trail emerges onto the rim, it intersects with the Greeter Trail, an easy 1.4 mile spur to Greeter Falls.

Approximately 200 feet northwest of the Greeter/Big Creek Gulf trail junction is the intersection of the Big Creek Gulf and Big Creek Rim trails. A camping area with marked sites and stone fire rings is located at this point. Facilities consist of pit toilets. Laurel trail, a much less scenic but short and easy trail back to the Ranger Station, also connects to the campground.

For an easy and enjoyable day hike, I recommend the Stone Door/Big Creek Rim/Greeter route to the falls, returning to the Ranger Station either along the same route or via the Laurel trail. For a good overnight trip, take the Stone Door/Big Creek Gulf route to the campsite. The next day visit Greeter Falls, and return to the Ranger Station via the Big Creek Rim/Stone Door route. Campers should fill out registration cards at the Stone Door Ranger station. For overnight trips in the fall, start early, as the campground will fill up in the afternoon.

Directions to Hike
From Nashville, take I-24 to the Monteagle/Sewanee exit (#134). In Monteagle, turn onto Hwy 41 towards Tracy City. Turn onto Hwy 56, follow for 21 miles to Beersheba Springs. A sign for the Stone Door Ranger Station is on your right.

Contact Information
South Cumberland State Recreation Area
Rt. 1, Box 2196
Monteagle, TN 37356
(931) 924-2980

(located on Hwy 41 between Monteagle and Tracy City. They have excellent maps and resources for a number of trails in the area)

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