Rock Island offers hiking, camping, beauty
From hiking and kayaking to fishing and swimming, Rock Island State Park has something for everyone, from day trippers to extreme outdoor enthusiasts.
Opened in the early 1970s, what is now Rock Island State Park was for centuries used by the Cherokee and other native tribes as a hunting ground. It wasn’t until the 1790s that the white man, mostly Revolutionary War veterans and their families, first came to the area.
These days the park attracts thousands of visitors each year from all across the United States. The park is dominated by the Twin Falls of the Caney Fork, located in a scenic gorge. Near the base of the falls is an area which in recent years has become a mecca for kayakers and the location of a world-renowned kayaking competition.
For the more relaxed outdoor enthusiast, Rock Island State Park has an array of less strenuous activities. Boating and fishing have become quite popular on the park’s lakes, with an area known as the Blue Hole considered one of the finest fishing holes in the state.
In the summer time the park is at its busiest. Swimmers can always be found at the park’s natural sand beach and families and groups take advantage of the park’s four picnicking areas, all complete with tables, grills, drinking water and rest room facilities.
Camping is also popular during the summer months. With 60 campsites, all with electrical and water hookups, grill and picnic table, the park is popular with tent and RV campers alike. The camping area also contains three modern bathhouses with hot water showers, lavatories and commodes.
A favorite with many is Rock Island’s 10 cabins. The three bedroom, two-bath structures come complete with appliances, microwaves, cooking utensils, dishes, linens, fireplaces with gas logs, TVs, VCRs and charcoal grills. The cabins are open year-round.
Other park amenities include playgrounds, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a basketball court and several play fields. Recreation equipment is loaned to visitors at no charge.
In the spring the park conducts a wildflower pilgrimage and a highly popular Easter egg hunt. During the summer, park staff offer visitors a plethora of planned activities including interpretive walks, canoe floats, cave trips and arts and crafts.
Situated on 883 acres at confluence of the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers, Rock Island State Park is located adjacent to the Rock Island community, about 17 miles northwest of McMinnville. It is accessible from US 70S via TN 136 to TN 287.