FIERY GIZZARD: One of the most iconic and important trail systems in the State of Tennessee. A nationally recognized trail that challenges hikers while providing breathtaking panoramic vistas, unique natural features, a pristine creek, and its many waterfalls. A place that we all hold special and dear.

The Land Trust for Tennessee is pleased to announce that we have successfully purchased and protected 6,200 acres in and around Fiery Gizzard! Through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, and additional support from the Friends of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area, we raised much of the $8.1 million needed to make this project a reality.

In December, The Land Trust and The Conservation Fund will turn over close to 3,000 acres to the state to incorporate directly into the South Cumberland State Park System. The project is the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s highest priority and the State of Tennessee has committed over $4 million. The remaining 3,000+ acres was purchased by conservation minded buyers who put an easement on the property, restricting future development.

Of the additional $2.1 million of private funds we needed to raise towards this project, we have secured all but $300,000. Based on the donations and support from the community, and the fact that individuals and foundations have reported they are still considering making additional gifts soon, we felt confident on moving forward to close on the project. This leap of faith was made possible by a low-interest loan from The Conservation Fund.

Just two years ago, the whole of the 6,200 acres was under option with a group planning to develop key portions of the view from the trail system. The developers were unable to execute and we have been given a second chance to protect this critical property. What many don’t realize is that although the trail is open to the public and managed by the State of Tennessee as part of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area, half of the trail itself and the majority of the views are currently under private ownership. While the individuals and families that own much of the land surrounding the Fiery Gizzard trail system are outstanding stewards, the previous owner of this property was a timber investment firm required to sell the property and had no long term interest in the protection of the land. Now, with your help, we have permanently protected parts of Fiery Gizzard Cove, including the western bluff and over a mile and a half of the trail itself.

Fiery Gizzard is the heart of the South Cumberland Plateau. It offers incomparable recreational opportunities for Tennesseans and visitors from all over the United States providing essential economic and tourism dollars to the region. This trail is one of the most intact, biologically diverse, natural landscapes remaining in the eastern United States. It is home to some of Tennessee’s most beautiful natural areas and prized recreational hotspots.

If you haven’t already, or you want to make an additional gift, we currently have an anonymous donor who has made a Challenge Gift to the Fiery Gizzard project. For every dollar we raise, this donor will generously contribute half of that to the cause – and we need to raise $300,000 to claim this challenge and to reach our goal. So every gift is significant.