Rock Island State Park - Rock Island, TN - Tennessee State Parks

BOATING
Our launch ramp on Center Hill Lake and other ramps closeby on the Caney Fork and Collilns Rivers offer access for great recreational boating. Rock Island is known for it's whitewater kayaking and has hosted international freestyle kayaking events. Some areas of the park are for experienced whitewater kayakers or canoeists only and can be dangerous.
Use extreme caution in all gorge areas. Water levels and currents can change quickly downstream of TVA's powerhouse, or dam without notice. Large amounts of water may be released at any time without warning. Exit immediately if you hear warning sirens or notice changes in conditions. Always wear your PDF and check both generation and dam daily water release schedules for TVA Great Falls prior to visiting. For further information call 800-238-2264 option 4, (#36) or visit http://www.tva.gov/lakes/gfh_r.htm.

SWIMMING
The park's natural sand beach is located on the headwaters of the beautiful Center Hill Lake. Adequate parking space and a modern bathhouse are provided. No lifeguards on duty. 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.

BIRDING
Birds such as Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Herons can be seen along with Great Blue Herons which have a rookery nearby.

PICNICKING
There are four picnicking areas within the park. All are equipped with tables, grills, and drinking water. All have restroom facilities.
Four picnic pavilions that can accommodate 30-100 people each can be reserved for group use. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.

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 — 3.0 Miles — Natural — Moderate
A 3 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. New Connector Trail shortens the trail to 2 miles and takes hikers alongside two cemeteries of the first settlers.
Eagle Trail — 1.4 Miles — Natural — Moderate
This 1.5 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 warblers, belted kingfishers and osprey.
Moonshine Trail — 1.0 Miles — Natural — Moderate
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 — 1.7 Miles — Natural — Moderate
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 — 1.7 Miles — Natural — Moderate
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 — 1.0 Miles — Natural — Moderate
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 — 0.5 Miles — Rocky — Strenuous
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 — 1.0 Miles — Rocky — Strenuous
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.

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. Catches include bass, muskellunge, bluegill, walleye, crappie and catfish. Valid TN Fishing license is required.
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.

PREMIUM CABINS
Rates: $135 — $160
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per cabin is non-refundable. $10 cancellation fee per cabin applies.
The park features 10 cabins located a half-mile from natural sand beach along the Caney Fork River. 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 a charcoal grill.
Cabins #1 and #2 are pet friendly with an extra fee of $18 per night, per pet.

CAMPING
Rates: $20 — $31.25
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change. $5 reservation fee per site is non-refundable.
Rock Island has two campgrounds, with 20 campsites available year-round.
The main campground has 50 sites, (#1-#50), to accommodate RVs and trailers. Some of these sites will also accommodate tents. Each site is equipped with 20/30/50 amp electrical and water water hookups, charcoal grill, fire ring, lantern hanger and picnic table. Sites #31-#34 also have sewer hookups. Sites #31 and #32 are ADA accessible. There are two bathhouses with hot showers and ADA accessible restrooms. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground. Free Wi-Fi is available. A picnic pavilion and playground are nearby.
Sites #1-#30 are closed from November 2 through March 15 of every year.
Sites #31-#50 remain open for winter camping year-round. Some of these sites may be used for tents.
The tent only campground has 10 sites (#51-#60), each with 20 amp electrical service, water hookups, lantern hanger, fire ring, charcoal gril and picnic table. A bathhouse with hot water is conveniently located nearby. Most are partially shaded and have a grass surface. The tent only campground is closed from Nov. 2 through March 15, each year.
All campers must register at the park office. Maximum stay limit is two weeks. Campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park office or online. A recycling area is located in the main campground.

PAVILIONS
Rates: $35 — $70
Taxes and fees are not included. Rates subject to change.
Rock Island State Park has a total of six picnic shelters/pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering. Depending on the shelter, the maximum capacity ranges from 50 to 75 people. The shelters are equipped with picnic tables, and many have a grill and access to restrooms.
Full day shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park.
Picnic shelters/pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee. There is a $3 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.