* Hours: Campground open April through mid-October. The gate closes at 10 p.m. CST.

* Distance/fuel costs: Foster Falls is about 40 minutes northwest of Chattanooga. Take Interstate 24 West to the Jasper exit 155. Turn right onto state Highway 28 and travel three or four miles, then exit onto U.S. Highway 41 north. At the second Jasper traffic light turn right onto state Highway 150/U.S. 41. Bear left at Highway 41 and head up the mountain. The scenic area is three miles past the Mountain Mart Store on the left. The park is marked by a sign that is easy to miss at night. Round trip is about 70 miles. Estimated fuel costs for 70 miles round-trip: $14.

* Admission: $11 per night for campground site. Parking and site admission are free.

* For the kids: There is hiking and swimming in the area, plus primitive camping along a 13-mile trail to the Fiery Gizzard trailhead.

* What’s worthwhile: The falls are easily viewed and the trails are relatively flat, making the area nice for novice hikers and families with small children. Those who want a challenge can hike longer trails. The rock climbing in the area is nationally renown — it is listed on the Flatliners Southeast Climbing Web site — and climbers come from across the country to test their skills.

Showers and restrooms are available and are free for campers. Noncampers can pay a $2 fee for showers.

* Cost-saving tip: A hidden treasure can be found near Tracy City in Grundy Lakes State Park. It’s a small, peaceful place to have a family picnic on a pretty little lake.

More information: Call (931) 924-2980 or the onsite caretaker at (423) 942-5759.

Send your ideas and photos for other One Tank Wonders to mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.

Side Orders