Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Rock Island State Park is one of Tennessee's most unique state parks. From the park's history to the tropical paradise feeling and look to the park, one trip is all that you'll need to be hooked on this beautiful place. The park, located in Rock Island, Tennessee, is filled with some of the best waterfalls in the state, which includes 80-foot high Twin Falls that was created by accident when the building of the dam pushed the water into underground caverns and through to the other side to Great Falls. The horse-shaped waterfall is complete with a swimming hole. During your visit to Rock Island, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.

The area is well known for it's whitewater kayaking and canoeing, as well as fishing. You'll find nine hiking trails and plenty of picnic spots. A swimming hole like no other sits beneath Great Falls and has plenty of places to explore. If you're looking to spend multiple days in the park, Rock Island has 10 cozy cabins available for rental, two of which are pet friendly. Rock Island also has  two campgrounds, one for tents only and an area for RVs. Check out the list of events to get even more involved during your visit; you'll find group hikes, a fall festival and craft fair, the Rock Island 5 Miler Race, and the Rock and Row Triathlon. You'll also find many other Tennessee spots to explore nearby as well such as Lost Creek Falls, Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls. Looking for a great spot to grab brunch? Grab a bite of deliciousness at the Foglight Food house, tucked away on Power House Row, on your way to Twin Falls. Regardless of how you decide to spend your time at Rock Island, the park will be sure to captivate your senses. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Pros

Waterfalls. Swimming holes. Multiple activities.

Cons

Some areas are not accessible at times.

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Showers
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Boat ramp(s)
Marina
Geologically significant
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Bird watching
Baseball
Volleyball
Horseshoes
Playground
Fishing
Bicycling
Campgrounds + Campsites

Site type

Cabins
Full hookups

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/25/2018
There was a bit of a parking problem at the Great Falls entrance when I went on a Saturday. We were able to park right by the Twin Falls entrance and it is such a beautiful hike. If you don't want to hike, you are right there to view the falls. But there is a moderately easy 2 mile hike around the falls.
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