Rock Island State Park
Twin Falls, Rock Island, TN, USA
Office Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT
$$
outdoor-adventures, hikes, road-trips
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Explore Rock Island State Park with this Kid-Friendly Hike!
Rock Island State Park is an 883-acre park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers. One of the highlights is Great Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, located below the 19th-century cotton textile mill that it powered over 100 years ago.
We chose the very family friendly "Downstream Trail", which leaves right from Twin Falls Overlook, is roughly 1.6miles and it’s a fairly easy walk except for a few steep sections where wooden stairs have been placed to help hikers. It’s out for half a mile, with a half mile loop after that, and then a half mile back on the same trail that you started on (a "lollipop"). You’ll immediately see the largest waterfall almost as soon as you leave the parking lot, but there are smaller waterfalls along the way depending on seasonality. There is a good view of the river for most of the hike. Take caution with young children as the trail gets quite steep and close to drops down to the river. It was easy enough for my 5 year old to walk the whole way, though I forced her to hold my hand as we approached the steep sections.
Note: Twin Falls is not a natural waterfall. It is a byproduct of the damming of the Caney Fork River and the power house.
For TVA’s generation schedule and more information on the Great Falls Dam please visit here.
Per the park: Always use 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 and 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.
Park Office: 82 Beach Road: Rock Island, TN 38581; 931-837-4770 (Office Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CT)
Park GPS Coordinates: 35.8093, -85.6419
Cabin & Campground Reservations: 800-713-6065