Hike this short scenic loop beginning with Foster Falls, continuing along a popular rock climbing path and rounding out with views along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. Not far out of Chattanooga, this loop has a bit of everything if you're willing to navigate it's rocky terrain. A few parts might be tricky for some dogs but I saw several along the path nonetheless.
The trail begins along the paved path next to the info board. Almost immediately you'll come to a signed intersection. Straight is an observation deck and for this description I continued to the left to head to the bottom of the falls. To the right is the Fiery Gizzard Trail if you wanted to hike this loop counter-clockwise.
The trail follows underneath power lines before returning to the woods and heading steeply down a rocky path. Look for the white blazes to help guide you. Crossing a suspension bridge, Foster Falls is to the right. Dropping 60 feet into a large swimming pool, this is where most people end their journey.
Head back past the suspension bridge, following Little Gizzard Creek downstream for a short period. From here until reaching the Fiery Gizzard, the trail stays close to the vertical rock walls of the gorge. This is a popular spot for rock climbers. The trail seems to split in several places, but rejoins immediately after and always stays near the wall. In many places the trail can only be described as a pile of rocks you have to walk through.
If you want a slightly shorter route, head up the signed "Exit 1" for the Climber's Access 1 Trail. Otherwise continue around the larger loop, eventually climbing out of the gorge and up some steps. At the steps, turn right to connect to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. From here you'll go right to finish the loop but first head left for .15 miles for an excellent view.
Hiking back toward the trailhead, pass the 2 connections to the Climber's Loop Trail and a few more marked side trails to campgrounds. Along the way you'll get excellent views of Foster Falls from above and cross over Little Gizzard Creek upstream from the falls. Eventually you'll hit the power lines again, following them to connect back to the initial intersection to complete the loop.