February 17, 2025 - Happy Mardi Gras! Let the Good Times Roll!
Our good times roll would not be a parade or a party, but an overnight trip to Foster Falls and Fall Creek Falls. We had the RV packed and ready to set out on our adventure just after 10:30 am. The plan was to travel to Foster Falls, north of Chattanooga (about 2 1/2 hours according to Google Maps), and return by way of Fall Creeks Falls State Park to stay overnight in the new Lodge. We took the longer route by way of Crossville, Pikeville and Dunlap. After 2/12 hours we had made it as far as Dunlap where we stopped at McDonald's for lunch. We continued to Jasper and then up Hwy 41 to Fiery Gizzard State Park and Foster Falls.
We arrived just after 2 pm, so the 126 mile trip took us 3 1/2 hours! The Falls are beautiful from the overlook which is easily accissible via a short board-walk from the parking lot. We debated the hike down to the base of the falls and decided to try it. After all, we had come this far. The steep and rocky descent dropped about 144 ft (14 stories) in 0.4 mile. It was slow going (40 min) for me as I was very careful about every foot placement and thankful every step for my sturdy hiking poles.
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| View from the overlook |
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| Starting down |
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| That is the trail! |
The swinging bridge crossed the tree-lined Little Gizzard Creek and led to a rocky/sandy area at the base of the falls. Upstream the creek plunged 60 feet into a large clear pool, a popular swimming hole in warmer months. Massive sheer rock walls rose around the pool and rock-climbing is another popular activity. On this day in February however, we had it all to ourselves. The beauty and serenity of nature restores my soul.
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| Beautiful Little Gizzard Creek |
The climb back up was strenuous, but seemed less difficult even though I literally climbed up some of the more difficult spots. We spent about 1/1/2 hours on the hike, much of that time just enjoying the beauty of the environment.
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| Ascending the bridge |
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| Going up |
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| Foster Fall from the Overlook |
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| Made It! |
From Foster Falls, we made our way north and east to Fall Creek Falls State Park and Lodge, arriving just after 4:30. As many times as we have been to this park over the last 50 years, we never stayed in the old Inn. The newly rebuilt Inn, now Lodge, is gorgeous! Our room looked out at the lake. Our dinner was excellent as was Wednesday's breakfast. Of course we had to go the Fall Creek overlook for a view before leaving the park. The weather was threatening rain and we weren't up for any more hiking anyway. The drive home from there was familiar and uneventful.
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| Our room view, ground floor with patio |
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| The Lobby of the Lodge |
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| Fall Creek Falls - 2/18/26 |
