Rock Island State Park
While natural attractions draw visitors from across the country to Rock Island, the area also has a rich history dating to prehistoric time. World-record fish caught in the "Blue Hole" keep fishermen coming year after year, and its true depth remains a mystery, with sunken rock pillars indicating the possibility of a collapsed underwater cave.
Four-time world freestyle kayaking champion Eric Jackson is a Rock Island resident, manufacturing his own brand of kayaks in nearby Sparta and regularly bringing world-class kayakers to Rock Island.
A number of rare and endangered plant and animal species live in the park, with wildflowers from both Highland Rim and Central Basin flourishing here.
Once considered a nuisance, the magnificent Twin Falls, formed water flowing through caves and cracks in the limestone, are now a beloved and much-visited feature in the park. The water finds its way through the stone as a result of the construction of Great Falls Dam in 1917. One of the first large-scale hydro-electric dams in Tennessee, Great Falls turned the area into a popular 1920s resort, where Nashville's elite once came to vacation.
The land was first settled by Revolutionary War veterans who received land grants from South Carolina. Old homesites and cemeteries are still visible along the trails. The small Battle of Rock Island in 1792 was important as the last battle of the area Cherokees before signing their land over in the Treaty of Tellico.
A 19th-century textile mill stands near the park entrance, and the Bone Cave was the site of an important saltpeter mine as well as the place where miners discovered the bones of a giant sloth. Native American artifacts have also been found in the cave.
Biking
Bike trails are available throughout the park.
Fishing
Boating and fishing are very popular on Center Hill Lake as well as on Great Falls Lake. There is a free public launching ramp on Great Falls Lake. The Blue Hole, on Center Hill Lake, lies adjacent to the park shore and is the spawning ground for the walleye in Center Hill Lake. It is considered one of the finest fishing places in the state. It is accessible via a boat launching ramp located in the park. Fishing is best in the spring, but visitors enjoy boat riding and skiing well into the fall.
Fish catches include bass, muskellunge, bluegill, walleye, crappie and catfish. Valid TN Fishing license is required.
Hiking
The park has nine hiking trails with the Caney Fork Gorge area located below the dam being a very popular area for rock hopping, swimming and fishing. This beautiful limestone gorge runs between the Great Falls Dam and the Twin Falls. The area is populated with Great Blue Herons, wildflowers and waterfalls. The Caney Fork Gorge may be accessed via the Old Mill Trail or the Upstream Trail.
Collins River Nature Trail:
A three mile loop along the outer edge of the Collin's River peninsula. The trail winds beside the riverbank and gives the hiker a chance to view white-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, Christmas ferns and a wide variety of wildflowers.
Eagle Trail:
This 1 1/2 mile trail runs from the Blue Hole picnic area to the Badger Flatt picnic area down by the park's natural sand beach on Center Hill Lake. This trail is naturally stocked with an abundant array of wildflowers and songbirds. Flowers include mountain laurel, pink and white trillium, little brown jug, bloodroot and yellow violet. Some birds which can be seen include prothonotary warblers, belted kingfishers and osprey.
Moonshine Trail:
This short half mile trail runs past the base of an old moonshine still and is teaming with wildlife. Hikers on this trail might get to see Firepink, Jack-in-the Pulpit, deer and barred owls. This trail begins at the tennis court parking lot and ends next to campsite 39.
Bluff Trail:
Hikers and bikers are permitted on this wooded, 1.7 mile, lollipop trail that begins at the tennis court parking area. A short side spur blazed in blue brings hikers to a bench overlooking Center Hill Lake below. Hikers may catch a glimpse of a wild turkey, eagle, or coyote on this trail. These are our five main hiking areas in the park but there are a number of other places in the park worth exploring. Feel free to contact the park naturalist, for more information concerning trails.
Downstream Trail:
The Downstream Trail is a 1.6 mile lollipop. It departs from Twin Falls Overlook and continues along the very steep bluff line bordering the river. It features views of the Blue Hole below, Twin Falls, Little Falls and various seeps, as well as many spring wildflowers & rock formations. Swimming along this portion of the river is very dangerous and not permitted.
Upstream Trail:
The Upstream Trail is 0.5 mile one way. It departs from Twin Falls Overlook parking area going east (across cable) and it provides access to the upper gorge area including swimming spots such as the “Ice Hole” and “Warm Hole”. Swimming is at your own risk in this area.
Blue Hole Trail:
This extremely steep, wet and rugged 0.5 mile one way trail runs down a windy slope that extends along a beautiful waterfall seep. It is very strenuous & has many steep steps. It has been a popular fishing spot since the settlement of the area. Numerous wildflowers, mosses and ferns can be seen. Some sections have moving and standing water. (Wetlands are fragile - please tread lightly.) This section of the river is dangerous and swimming is not permitted.
Collins River Connector Trail:
A two mile total loop branching off of and starting from the Collins River trailhead. A modest hike through hardwood groves taking the hiker to the sites of the very first frontier settlements and 3 cemeteries. A multi-use trail for hiking, jogging and mountain bikes. Hikers have the right of way.
Old Mill Trail:
The Old Mill Trail is 0.5 mile one way. It departs from the Old Mill picnic area and it provides access to the gorge on the Warren County side. It consists of steep stairs opening into the gorge below. From the bottom, hikers can rock hop or swim at their own risk. The trail and parking lot close at sundown. Parking is limited.
*Use extreme caution in the gorge*
*Water may rise rapidly. Monitor your surroundings. Leave the gorge immediately if water begins to rise or you hear warning sirens. Watch for slick rocks & swift currents. Do NOT jump into water of unknown depths.
*Swimming or wading is not allowed in all areas from TVA’s powerhouse downstream all the way down to the main beach boat ramp including by the “powerhouse”, “Twin Falls” and “Blue Hole” due to hidden and deadly currents.
Violation of Park Rules (TCA 11-1-108 0400-02-06) may result in Criminal Citations. Please enjoy the park safely!
Water Recreation
Boating and fishing are very popular on Center Hill Lake as well as on Great Falls Lake. There is a free public launching ramp on Great Falls Lake. The Blue Hole, on Center Hill Lake, lies adjacent to the park shore and is the spawning ground for the walleye in Center Hill Lake. It is considered one of the finest fishing places in the state. It is accessible via a boat launching ramp located in the park. Fishing is best in the spring, but visitors enjoy boat riding and skiing well into the fall.
Due to renovation construction at Center Hill Dam and resulting lowered lake levels, please call the park office for most current status and availability of the boat ramps at the park.
Camping - RV & Tent
Rock Island has 60 campsites, each equipped with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, grill, and picnic table. Three modern bathhouses (with hot water showers, lavatories, and commodes) are located in the camping area. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground for the convenience of self-contained camping rigs. Campers must register at the park office. Maximum stay limit is two weeks. This facility is open year round.
Campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park or you may make Rock Island Campground Reservations online.
Picnicking
There are four picnicking areas within the park. All are equipped with tables, grills, and drinking water. All have restroom facilities.
Two picnic pavilions that can accommodate up to 30 people each can be reserved for group use. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.
Boat Ramp
Due to renovation construction at Center Hill Dam and resulting lowered lake levels, please call the park office for most current status and availability of the boat ramps at the park.
Visitor Center
Buses are welcome at the park.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are available.
Campgrounds
Rock Island has 60 campsites, each equipped with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, grill, and picnic table. Three modern bathhouses (with hot water showers, lavatories, and commodes) are located in the camping area. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground for the convenience of self-contained camping rigs. Campers must register at the park office. Maximum stay limit is two weeks. This facility is open year round.
Campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park or you may make Rock Island Campground Reservations online.
Cabins/Villas
The park features 10 cabins. The three bedroom/two bath cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping including appliances, coffee pot, microwave, cooking utensils, dishes, and linens. Each cabin also features a fireplace with gas logs (seasonal), television, DVD player, and charcoal grill. The cabins are open year round.
There is one pet friendly cabin with an extra charge of $15 per night per pet.
The cabins are located 1/2 mile from Center Hill Lake.
No Upcoming Events
Check back soon for more events, or visit our event page for events in other parks.
The scenic beauty of Rock Island State Park is dominated by the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River - an imposing limestone gulf, a feature unique to south-central Tennessee. The park offers scenic overlooks, waterfalls and deep pools for fishing, rock-hopping and exploring. Located at the confluence of the Collins, Rocky and Caney Fork Rivers, this 883-acre park has a natural sand beach on Center Hill Reservoir.
The island was once a ferry site that Native Americans used to cross the turbulent river as they traveled the Chickamauga Path. That path became the Old Kentucky Road, used by the first settlers and later, as a stagecoach road. The path also crossed the east-west Black Fox Trail.
The Great Falls Textile Mill, which sits on the bluff above the Great Falls, was the largest of its kind in the area, the only mill to begin with raw materials and carry through to the finished product. At its peak, it employed more than 150 people, mostly women and children in need and who were furnished housing and jobs.
Prehistoric man mined the Bone Cave for gypsum, leaving behind prehistoric items such as cane torches and moccasins. The cave was one of the country's largest producers of saltpeter from the War of 1812 through the Civil War. Cave tours are currently not available because of the spread of white nose syndrome among area bats.
This year the park will host the first ever Musky Fly Fishing World Championship. The Blue Hole, famous for the size of its fish, claims two world-record fish: a 120-pound paddlefish caught by John T. Johnson in 1982 and Buck Bryant's 25-pound walleye, caught at the Natural Sand Beach, which held the record from 1955-1960. Park staff have received reports of very large black cats as well as ghosts. You never know what you find at Rock Island!
Waterfall Week, Wildflower Hikes and National Trails Day are among the popular annual events. Rock Island offers interpretive hikes, canoe floats, pontoon boat tours, bird walks, and rock hops in the gorge in the summer. The park has cabins, camping, boat ramps, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Contact Info
82 Beach Rd.
Rock Island, TN 38581
Phone: 931-686-2471
Phone - Toll Free: 800-713-6065
Email: Ask.TNStateParks@tn.gov
Directions
From I-40, take Exit 288 and follow Hwy.111 south to the US70S exit, and follow to Hwy.136. Turn right to Hwy. 287. Turn right and follow to park entrance.
From I-24, exit 111, located 15 miles southwest of Sparta.
Hours of Operation
7:30a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
