Savage Gulf Overnight Backpack at Sawmill Campsite- February 21-22, 2026
Details
Please read the entire description before you RSVP
First, the admin stuff:
1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $5 to help cover the permit fees. This will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step).
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 12 people)
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Now for the good part!
Let's go have a winter adventure in Savage Gulf State Park, a hike that is suitable for all skill levels. Here are the details:
Saturday, February 21: We will meet at the Savage Gulf South Trailhead no later than 10:00 AM Central Time (11:00 PM Eastern). From there, we will hike Collins Rim Trail to the Sawmill Campsite and camp there.
Totals for the day:
Miles: 8.0
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,500/2,300
Sunday, February 22: We will hike out the Collins Gulf Trail, which features gorgeous Horsepound Falls, back to the trailhead, finishing the Collins Loop.
Miles: 4.0
Elevation G/L: 1,300/500
Totals for the trip: Approx. 12 miles, 2,800 ft elevation gain/loss.
Difficulty: This is a moderate to strenuous hike, but suitable for any skill level. Please know your fitness level, have a map, and be able to navigate before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp. This is a go at your own pace hike.
Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast. It will likely be quite chilly, so plan accordingly. I'll post weather updates closer to the trip.
Water: There is a spring near camp. There may be some water along the route, but plan to carry enough to get yourself to camp.
Food Storage: There are bears in the Savage Gulf, but they are not plentiful. I still recommend using an Ursack, canister, or bear hang.
Cost: The cost is $5 to cover the cost of the permits. My Venmo is @BackpackerWill
Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.
If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.