The Fiery Gizzard Trail is about 14 miles long. I have only hiked a short portion of the trail, and Sycamore Falls represented the end of that hike. You can actually wander around many loops in the Fiery Gizzard Trail. They loop trails merge together rather early on.

I can’t remember exactly how far Sycamore Falls is along the trail, but it is essentially the last waterfall listed on the map for some distance. Later along on the trail, there is another waterfall, but it required a further 3 mile hike, which I wasn’t particularly interested in doing. Foster Falls is on the opposite end of the trail, and I visited Foster Falls separately.

Some of the other waterfalls are easier to visit along the trail, but Sycamore Falls does require some mountain-goat qualities. At one point, you hike up a moderately steep slope, which isn’t terribly bad, except that the trail below you is composed of large, moving rocks instead of flat ground. As you’re hiking along, Sycamore Falls is found along a side-trail, which was rather easy to find.

Directions:

1. As you enter Tracy City along US-41, you should notice a sign indicating the Fiery Gizzard Trail/Grundy Forest.
2. Follow the signs to the trail, where you’ll find a sign-in sheet and other information.
3. For the quickest hike to this specific falls, follow the Fiery Gizzard Trail for a ways to the side-trail to the falls. You can also hike down the Day Use Trail, where you will reconnect back into the Fiery Gizzard Trail. Hiking on the Day Use Trail allows you to view other falls, but adds time to your hike.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 12′
Length of Hike: 2.8 miles round-trip

Sycamore Falls in late December 2009

Where in the World is Sycamore Falls?