Top Ten Campsites near Nashville and Memphis

Foster Falls is the main attraction of this recreation area run by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The falls itself is a 120-foot drop over a sheer bluff into the Big Fiery Gizzard gorge. A short loop trail leads to the base of the falls. Another way to see the dropping water is via the Fiery Gizzard Trail. It's south end passes Foster Falls. Take this path along the rim of the gorge to view the falls from the top looking down. Farther along the trail is a backcountry campsite for backpackers and more spectacular scenery such as rock shelters, old trees, rock jumbles, sinkholes, and other waterfalls. By the way, Daniel Boone gave Foster Falls its name. He was camped out nearby when he burned some fowl he was cooking over a fire, igniting the bird's gizzard.

This TVA designated Small Wild Area has one of the most spacious campgrounds around. The loop is so large it seems to engulf the 26 sites spaced beneath a young second-growth forest. There is piped water and flush toilets but no showers.

Beyond Foster Falls is Grundy Lakes State Park. This site is listed on the National Historic Register. Once the site of mining activity, this area has seen prison labor, revolts, and the cooling down of the infamous Lone Rock coke ovens. Take the Lone Rock Trail to see these interesting sites. Nearby Grundy Forest State Natural Area, near Tracy City, has some challenging trails that pass strange rock formations, rock houses, and waterfalls that make you appreciate the area being donated by local citizens.