Savage Gulf Loop
~4 days · 8.2 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Savage Gulf Loop is known for
A demanding backcountry loop (~9 miles / 14.6 km) in South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee, descending via the Stone Door trail into the sandstone gorge, traversing the floor of Collins Gulf, and returning via the Connector and Big Creek Gulf trails. The route features dramatic waterfalls, slot canyons, and the iconic Great Stone Door — a 10-foot-wide crack through a 200-foot bluff. Backcountry permits are required for camping; designated sites are spread through the gulf bottoms.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,304 ft to 5,984 ft over 8.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.8 mi · 46%
- Downhill 4.0 mi · 49%
- Flat 0.4 mi · 5%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Savage Gulf Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Savage Gulf Loop scores 15/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Savage Gulf Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Savage Gulf Loop in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 8.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Savage Gulf Loop?
The Savage Gulf Loop climbs roughly 1,581 ft total — about 193 ft per mile, topping out near 1,831 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.