Great Stone Door Reviews

Easy hike in, slight slopes here and there. At the end there is a massive Stone Door and they aren’t kidding. Even if you don’t go down and come back up, it’s worth seeing. My husband and I did go down and come back up, easy does it for both of us - but well worth the experience.
There are also incredible bluffs here. You can literally see for miles. It’s just beautiful! Definitely want to come back in the fall to see all of the colors.

We have been here several times and decided to spend some of our 35th wedding anniversary with a short hike to enjoy the beautiful views and the Stone Door.
There is a short section of paved trail for anyone to enjoy one of the views, continued beginer/ intermediate trails for other hikers and many more challenging trails for the avid backpacker.
Quiet, breathtaking, a real natural treasure for middle Tennessee.

The Great Stone Door is a very interesting geological feature. It is basically a very large crack in the rock cliff overlooking the Savage Gulf area of South Cumberland State Park. The trail from the large paved lot to and back from the door is only about a mile and a half long and is not too strenuous. There is also a nice waterfall a short distance away. There are numerous waterfalls and trails in the Beersheba Springs area that make it a must visit destination.

Nice hike and waterfall view if you go the other way but make sure you put your hiking boots on and get ready for some trails.

If your looking for something to do North of Chattanooga and don't mind a little exercise then try this amazing overlook. It's a 1 mile hike down a very easy to walk well kept trail. The views are amazing! If you want more exercise then hit one of the several mile adventurous hiking trails. Enjoy Tennessee

I brought my family here to hike on a cool fall day. It's an easy hike in and out to the Stone Door - total distance less than 2 miles. No rugged terrain. Small children were able to pull it off without trouble.

The reward is amazing views from very high bluffs. Parents might want to hold onto their kids here. And the grand feature is the Stone Door itself, which is an amazing natural attraction with a human touch.

Definitely worth the trip!

I have enjoyed this area for some time. It is always clean and staff is friendly. The trail is easy to moderate depending which trail you take. Wonderful views for not a lot of work. Primitive camping area is nice, clean, and has an outhouse. It's worth the trip to this park!

We have taken the 3 mileish hike many times. A good portion of your walk is on a paved ADA accessible paved path, similar to a golf cart path. The last portion is a comfortable trail. The view at the end is breathtaking!!!

What's NOT amazing about the history of Indians who carved out a stairway made of stone through a mountain? Stone Door is an amazing accomplishment. That being said, whenever we have out of town guests, this is where we take them. The hike is easy enough for anyone. Most of the path is a paved dirt trail. Once you get to the top, the view is unbelievably amazing. Fall is the best time to go because you can see the fall colors for miles and miles. While you're at the top you can visit the "stone door" which is a doorway and staircase that was cut through the mountain, long ago, by Native Indians. If you love history combined with an easy hike, this is the place for you. A MUST if you're in the area.

Took my sons ages 10, 13 and 15 to the great stone door. It's a nice two mile loop through the woods up to the bluffs. The bluffs are awesome. But I was also a nervous wreck as a parent. You are literally out on some (flat) rocks 500 feet above the ground. Nothing to keep you from falling off. Also, there are a few crevices you step over that are maybe two feet across...but 500 feet down. None of this is dangerous if you are old enough to walk carefully and pay attention; but I would be cautious about taking hyper little ones with me. (although there are plenty of kids up there with parents so maybe it's just me). The stone door itself is also very cool and I'm sure we'll go back sometime. Great trail. It's a popular trail so plan to go early. The ranger had temporarily closed this area to incoming cars when we left because it got too full up there and there was no more parking.

A couple of friends and I came out to the park to do some light hiking; I'm not sure you could find a better view in Tennessee. You almost get a sense of vertigo when looking out over the Gulf and seeing all these trees, no cars or buildings in sight. Definitely going to return for a longer trip.

We went to this trail on a Weekday and hardly anyone was there! Great experience and easy hike. Half of it is paved up to a beautiful view of an outlook over the mountains. If you continue down the path it winds and bends up to a few views and leads down this beautiful rock staircase leading to another trail. We stopped at the base of the stairs. It was a little over a mile there. Definitely worth the trip to go see!

The best decision the state of TN ever made was to protect this area of Savage Gulf/South Cumberland/Stone Door. Did the stone door hike today in about an hour with no problem- the steps are steep but just take your time. Can’t wait to go back late fall. Views are spectacular

I’m not what you’d call an outdoors person but when my coworkers wanted to walk to the door I agreed. Wow! It was breathtaking. The first part of the trail, up to the Laurel Gulf Overlook, is paved and handicapped accessible. After that, the trail is packed dirt with some rocks and tree roots. When you get to the top, you can walk right out to the edges. It was exhilarating. The ranger with us recommended that people look around for snakes first, to avoid being startled while at the edge.

This is a very impressive trail. The parking area was large , and it was a easy walk with a few overlooks along the way. The first portion is paved, and the rest is well marked. The views were stunning along the overlook before the Great Stone Door. It is a huge drop off, so beware if you have small children. The Stone Door itself was very neat. I will definitely be back to check out other sights further along this trail.

Came to the area from Nashville to spend the day. This was a nice hike with a fairly easy trail. The views were beautiful and we kept saying how we must return and do this hike in the fall! The trip down the stone stairs was worth it to say we did it, but we didn't follow the trail beyond that point and there wasn't a view at the bottom. We really enjoyed this place and loved sitting on the bluffs and taking it all in! Do this if you are in the area!

I visited here several years ago, and decided to make a trip back. It was prettier than I remember and this time I took a camera and enjoyed the scenery more. This trip there were still some icy spots due to the recent ice storm, but manageable. Also, the trail to Laurel Falls is worth the short walk. There's also a sign about the old Laurel Mill, I'm assuming I found the site, remains of a stone wall with mortar and also a concrete section with words stampd in it. Not sure what it said though. If you come here, take the time to drive down the road to Greeter Falls. Also there are a few stops on the Pie in the Sky trail nearby. Across the road from your turn to Stone Door there's an entrance to an old 1800's resort hotel, and Vesper Point.

Not much of a hike but is a nice short little trip. A lot of the trail is paved so it is available to almost anyone. The stone door itself wasn't too amazing but the view (we were there in the fall) was worth the trip. We spent the day around savage gulf and had a great time

We went hiking here with a large family group, including children. Everyone had a great time! The hike to the view is very easy, but take care in going out on the ledge- it could be risky with unpredictable young hikers! We continued to the stone formations which make the "stone door"- this was a little tricky for those with height issues, but we all made it. Everyone in our group repeated over and over, "this rivals anything out west"! The area is truly a wonder, we are all planning return trips.

We stayed 2 nights in Pelham for a concert at The Caverns. We loved the area. Lots of hikes close by. Really enjoyed our stay

Cool lookout. To 1st vista overlook it is a paved path and ADA accessible. The next mile is to the actual overlook is dirt but flat and wide. It is easy to get to the vista point and the actual overlook, but there is a spur from the lookout point that is a more challenging to go down and fun to check out. You can keep going along that trail on a long (6+miles) loop, or turn around and go back. Don't hesitate to do the Laurel Falls loop. It's super short but steep. If you start on the right side (near the sign) you go down stairs, but coming back up the other side is just trail.

Essentially the Great Stone Door is two huge, I mean massive, rocks that have stone steps leading down between them. It's pretty neat, but what really makes it worth the mile hike are the bluffs that surround the "door" and the breathtaking views they provide. Great area that must be seen!

Loved walking down 150+ stone steps in between the stone door walls. It was about a mile out to large rock cliff overlooks & the stone door.

I have no clue why this attraction is only in the top 700 in Tennessee. It is in my top 20. If you enjoy the outdoors and hiking then Stone Door is a must. I have been to MOST of the larger state parks in TN and Stone Door is one my favorites. Located about 1.5 hr south east of Nashville, it has some amazing vistas and well kept trails. The Stone Door and Stone Door overlook is a quick and easy paved hike from the parking lot. Take a camera!!! For a nice hike beyond the Stone Door, try the easy day loop along the rim. For the more adventurous hiker try an overnight loop into the valley or stay overnight at Hobbs Cabin. Also, on the other side of the park, hike to Savage Falls or Rattlesnake Point. Love this park!

Cool place to visit - I would go back, but not until it’s cooler and the rattlesnakes are less active. The hike to the Stone door is simple. Once you go down the stairs, it gets much more difficult. Trail maps can be a little misleading. From the base of the stone door to the connector trail is moderate to difficult, on very rocky terrain. Getting to the bottom of the hill you have to decide whether to do the full 7 mile loop or go back up the way you came. We went back up - which was tough but fun (except for the rattler). Wear boots and be prepared - no benches or places to sit on this hike.

The huge elevation change is balanced with incredible views from the top.

What's not to love about getting outside in TN? The Great Stone Door is a nice hike. There is a paved path to one overlook--great if you need to mix wheels with a desire to see valley from the overlook. You can't actually get to THE Stone Door on a paved path however. The unpaved part will be rough going though probably doable if one is determined. Once you get to the Door however, you will need to ambulatory to go down through it.

On a pretty day don't be surprised to find climbers and rapellers dangling from the ledges as this is a favorite destination for those who love hanging from ropes.

There is a 7 mile loop trail if you want more of a workout; otherwise the trail out to the Door is about a mile from the Visitors' Station (r.e. maps, restrooms and sign-in sheet). With permission overnight camping is allowed. Down another, much shorter loop behind the Station goes to Laurel Falls. Down the road a little way is the trail to Greeter Falls. Greeter Falls trail is one that imo is NOT wheels-friendly.

While these trails are navigable by kids & pets keep a CLOSE eye on them. There are NO safety rails etc and some very high, dangerous overlooks.

The Stone Door is a nice hiking place. The views are excellent. The day we visited the trails were crowded. I think a hiking club had invaded the area.

Hike to the door itself is simple with great spots to stop and take in the views. Once you venture down the stairs the trail becomes more difficult. Also before you start your hike there is a sign-in sheet for your name, # in your party, trail hiking, and time started/end. I have never seen this before. Such a great idea - just in case anything should happen, at least they have a starting point. Enjoy!

This was on my list of places to stop and I am so glad I did. There is a nice overlook with an ADA trail. From there it turns to a trail which of course is not ADA. The hike to the main event is a bit less than a mile. It’s primarily flat with some roots so be careful. Once you get there you will be glad you went. It really is one of the most breathtaking places I have visited. There is a trail down the canyon for those more adventurous. We did not go beyond the stone door. While this is not something you hear about often it should be on your list in this part on Tn. There are nice restrooms drinking water and a picnic area near the parking lot.

Have been going to Stone door/Savage Gulf area for over twenty years and I have to say it's one of my favorite places to get away from it all.

all of Savage Gulf is absolutely gorgeous and thank goodness has been saved from the clear cutting tree & paper companies. Great Stone door is the place to go if you want to have maximum views without a tough trail. I think they even have a wheelchair path for the handicapped. Gorgeous and worth the trip!!

You'd swear you were walking through something out of Lord of the Rings or some of fantasy story. The hike to the Stone Door wasn't bad at all. It's about a mile there and back. At the beginning, there is a short loop that leads to laurelfalls which is very pretty. The hike back up isn't too bad but I wouldn't take the stairs as it's quite a few stairs

Before descending through the door, you can sit atop the cliff and gaze out upon the savage gulf natural area and it's spectacular. I'd definitely love to see it in the fall. The hike down this steep descent looks menacing but it's nowhere near as tough as it looks and the trip back definitely isn't as bad. To walk through this giant divide of two massive chunks of mountain was utterly awesome

Beautiful view great hiking just don't get too close to edge scary. Trail not rough. We didn't go thru the door. We were tired. But the trail getting there was beautiful

Our family enjoyed hiking the trail to the Great Stone Door. The trail is paved for the first .3 mile and more challenging for little legs for the last bit (there are a couple of inclines and several spots with roots crossing the path.) The Stone Door itself was beautiful and you can climb all the way down and back up on stone "steps." Our kids did the whole hike fairly easily with minimal assistance through the actual Door, but they are used to hiking every weekend. Definitely take insect repellant - mosquitoes were buzzing around me the entire hike.

This was a beautiful area to visit. Nice drive to get there and wasn't very crowded when we arrived. There are several hikes you can do when you get there, this review was for the stone door. It was an easy 1 mile hike to the stairs. The steps were narrow in places but an easy trek to the bottom. Once back to the top there was a beautiful view to the country side. Will definitely return

This State Park is an incredible place for nature lovers and hikers who enjoy medium too difficult trails. Fortunately, the trail to the stone door is mostly paved so it is very easy to navigate even for children. An added bonus to the stone door is the view at 1600 feet elevation on the South Rim and you can stand right on the edge of the escarpment and see the whole Canyon but please be careful because there are no guard rails or safety features. There are also campgrounds for primitive camping which are free with a permit and there is also a primitive cabin which is first come, first served which is called Hobbs cabin and it is on the North Rim of savage Gulf State Park. My only advice as far as hiking is concerned would be to be prepared and watch your time because we started hiking at the Great Stone Door entrance at 9 a.m., hiked down the Big Gulf Trail to the canyon floor, to Ranger Falls and then back up the Big Creek Rim Trail and arrived back at the stone door around 5 p.m. Easier hikes would be Savage Falls or Greeter Falls But any hike in this state park is absolutely as scenic as any Smoky Mountain Trail! We can't wait to go back when the leaves change color!