A Local's Guide to Tracy City: Fiery Gizzard Hiking and a Century-Old Bakery

Tracy City is a former coal town high on the Cumberland Plateau, and these days it's best known as a hub for some of the finest hiking in the Southeast. The trails of South Cumberland State Park fan out from here, and when you come off the mountain there's a bakery that's been feeding the plateau since 1902. It's a hike-hard, eat-well kind of place.

What is Tracy City known for?

Trails and coal history. The Fiery Gizzard trail, anchored at the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead, is long celebrated among the best hiking trails in the Southeast, threading gorges, waterfalls, and rock formations. Nearby, Grundy Forest State Natural Area and Grundy Lakes carry both the scenery and the coal-and-coke heritage that built the town.

Things to do in Tracy City

Hike. Start at the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead for the marquee route, walk the loops at Grundy Forest, and chase Sycamore Falls when the water's running. Grundy Lakes is the easy-access spot for a walk and the historic coke ovens, and the Dog Hole Coal Mine site adds the mining backstory.

Where to eat in Tracy City

The standout is the Dutch Maid Bakery & Cafe -- a family bakery that's been running since 1902 and is a plateau institution for breads, fruitcakes, and a cafe plate. Hank's Corner Grille is the local sit-down favorite, Rosie's Farmhouse Kitchen and Potbellies Family Restaurant cover country cooking, and La Ranchera handles Mexican. Tracside is the casual stop near the rail line.

When to go

Spring and fall are the standouts for Fiery Gizzard and the waterfalls -- comfortable temperatures and water in the creeks. Summer hiking is shadier in the gorges but warm; winter is quiet and clear when it isn't icy on the plateau. Always check trail conditions before a long Fiery Gizzard day.

Planning your visit

Tracy City is about 50 minutes northwest of Chattanooga, up I-24 and across the plateau past Monteagle. The Fiery Gizzard is a serious trail -- rugged footing and real distance -- so plan your route, bring water, and don't underestimate it. It pairs naturally with Monteagle for a fuller plateau-outdoors day.

The bottom line

Tracy City is a hiker's basecamp with a 120-year-old bakery at the bottom of the trail -- gorges and waterfalls above, fresh bread below. We surface what's worth the trip; you choose the trail. See what's on this week at the Lineup.