Foster Falls Trail

Foster Falls is a 60 foot free falling waterfall, located in South Cumberland State Park in Sequatchie, TN. From the parking lot, there is a universally accessible trail to a viewing platform of the top of the falls. If the water is low or during summer the water may be hard to see, but after a lot of rain and when the trees are bare, this affords not only a beautiful view of the falls, but of the mountains into the distance as well. To continue to the base on the falls, go to the left of the viewing platform until you reach a white blazed trail that turns to the right, and take a steep set of steps into the forest. The steps will end at a large rock overhang that is fun for kids to stop and play at, and then continues down rough stone steps to a suspension bridge, around 1/4 mile from the parking lot. This section is tricky, especially for toddlers; it is doable if they are confident walkers but will require close supervision and hand-holding, so having a carrier as a backup is advised. Turn right past the suspension bridge to the pool at the base of the falls. If it is warm enough this is a great place for water play! From the falls, you have the option of going back up the way you came, or going past the suspension bridge and following the white blazes to make a 1.5 mile loop. To make the loop, the trail winds for around half a mile along the base of large bluffs that are very popular with climbers, before making a sharp right turn past a small rock scramble, up a set of stone steps. From here, the trail forks; to the left follows the Fiery Gizzard Trail (NOT a trail for the littles!), to the right runs along the escarpment of the bluffs you just walked beneath. The trail passes to the right of the Father Adamz campground before turning to the right again, crossing a metal bridge over the creek above the falls, and takes you back to the viewing platform, with several viewpoints of the falls along the way. During the summer there are very large orb weaver spiders along the loop trail that may be frightening to kids, but also may be great educational opportunities. The loop trail also passes very close to the top of the bluffs in places.