COL001
Location: 35.406712, -85.593447
Hike north from the trailhead parking lot. Dayhikers and backpackers must sign in at the kiosk.
COL002
Location: 35.410179, -85.594633
Bear left toward Collins Gulf Trails. Campsites and the first overlook are located on the right.
COL003
Location: 35.411473, -85.596478
Continue straight (northeast) toward Collins East Campsites.
COL004
Location: 35.410782, -85.594161
The trail begins the descent into Collins Gulf less than a mile from the trailhead.
COL005
Location: 35.409882, -85.592437
In wet months, the trail crosses an area dotted with pools of water.
COL006
Location: 35.409626, -85.591717
The trail transitions to a rocky path.
COL007
Location: 35.407279, -85.588786
As you continue the descent into the gulf, cliff walls border the trail on the right.
COL008
Location: 35.404486, -85.58738
Cross the Collins River on a 100-foot-long suspension bridge. Massive boulders dot the riverbed.
COL009
Location: 35.405308, -85.585223
Pass a side trail to Collins East Campsites.
COL010
Location: 35.407145, -85.584719
Cross a tributary stream of the Collins River.
COL011
Location: 35.410432, -85.585824
Cross another tributary stream.
COL012
Location: 35.418241, -85.591511
Cross a creek.
COL013
Location: 35.422411, -85.593259
Hop across another creek.
COL014
Location: 35.430528, -85.598538
A small stream flows across the trail.
COL015
Location: 35.431634, -85.600715
Turn left onto the spur trail to visit an overlook with views of Collins Gulf.
COL016
Location: 35.432622, -85.592476
You may get your feet wet on this creek crossing.
COL017
Location: 35.437156, -85.597025
Pass a side trail to an overlook.
COL018
Location: 35.442072, -85.597991
Merge onto Stagecoach Road Historic Trail, an old road that ran from McMinnville to Chattanooga. This roadbed, lined with rock walls and stone cribbing, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Next, begin a nearly 800-foot descent into the gorge.
COL019
Location: 35.441976, -85.599182
The trail passes a smaller waterfall.
COL020
Location: 35.446162, -85.602572
Continue descent in the gorge on Stage Road Trail.
COL021
Location: 35.45228, -85.617882
Turn left and head toward Sawmill Campsite.
COL022
Location: 35.449903, -85.616144
Cross a small bridge.
COL023
Location: 35.448687, -85.615537
Pass the Sawmill Campsite.
COL024
Location: 35.448295, -85.61535
Continue straight at the junction, heading southeast. Do not follow the trail that crosses the bridge to Stone Door Trail.
COL025
Location: 35.446793, -85.613644
Pass a side trail to Schwoon Springs.
COL026
Location: 35.442946, -85.60843
Cross the Collins River on a series of boulders. Caution: During wet months, this can be treacherous.
COL027
Location: 35.430183, -85.605104
Ford the Collins River (it may be deep during wet months). Tip: Change into sandals or water shoes to cross successfully.
COL028
Location: 35.42833, -85.603173
A short side trail leads to Horsepound Falls.
COL029
Location: 35.412695, -85.597704
Continue ascending the trail out of the gorge.
COL030
Location: 35.411097, -85.597218
Cross a suspension bridge at Suter Falls, a spectacular waterfall along Rocky Mountain Creek. Note: In freezing temperatures, park rangers will close this portion of the trail.
COL031
Location: 35.410511, -85.596585
Follow signs to 55th Street.
COL032
Location: 35.410157, -85.59467
Retrace steps out of Collins Gulf to reach the 55th Street parking area.
Views of Collins Gulf
Location: 35.431643, -85.600984
Trailhead Kiosk
Location: 35.406707, -85.593351
Trail Signs
Location: 35.410183, -85.594587
Continue left toward Collins Gulf Trails.
Trail Signs
Location: 35.411552, -85.596296
Continue straight toward Collins East Campsites.
Rock Hopping
Location: 35.409689, -85.592058
Foamflower
Location: 35.408736, -85.59003
Foamflower appears in the spring.
Suspension Bridge
Location: 35.404626, -85.587423
Crossing Suspension Bridge
Location: 35.404574, -85.587412
After Bridge Crossing
Location: 35.404372, -85.587283
Trail to Collins East Campsites
Location: 35.405326, -85.585063
Stream Crossing
Location: 35.407145, -85.58458
Hiking poles are helpful on this trek.
Small Creek Crossing
Location: 35.430507, -85.598398
Not all of the wet crossings require rock hopping.
Trail Junction
Location: 35.442072, -85.597862
Make sure you follow the Stagecoach Road Trail downhill.
Waterfall
Location: 35.442133, -85.598506
Waterfall
Location: 35.441809, -85.599149
When water levels are high, take care crossing the stream.
Bluet
Location: 35.446722, -85.604374
The wildflower bluet grows up through the moss.
Trail to Hobbs Cabin
Location: 35.452289, -85.61771
Small Bridge
Location: 35.449921, -85.616015
Sawmill Campsite
Location: 35.448732, -85.615404
Fire Pink
Location: 35.448627, -85.615371
The wildflower fire pink at Saw Mill Campsite.
Purple Phacelia
Location: 35.448295, -85.615211
A carpet of purple phacelia covers this boulder in April.
Crossing Collins River
Location: 35.442972, -85.608172
Forest Lousewort
Location: 35.435708, -85.603495
This wildflower appears in April.
Crossing Collins River
Location: 35.430175, -85.604964
Horsepound Falls
Location: 35.429222, -85.602658
A short side trail leads to Horsepound Falls.
Purple Phacelia
Location: 35.427185, -85.601724
White Trilium
Location: 35.423452, -85.600029
This wildflower appears in the spring.
Carpet of White Trilium
Location: 35.418888, -85.59695
Suter Falls
Location: 35.411106, -85.597165
A view of Suter Falls from the bridge.
More Views of Suter Falls
Location: 35.41118, -85.597041
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