

Rock Island, Tennessee Travel - Waterfalls & Lush Landscapes, Another Avatar
Just like the lush landscapes in Avatar, these mystical waterfalls are mesmerizing. The river gorge puts on magical displays as it flows down cliff ledges and over stone slabs. See Twin Falls, Great Falls, and Blue Hole Trail waterfall. Outdoor adventurers will love Rock Island State Park - a bucket list must.
Location = Rock Island Visitor Center. 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island TN.
Rock Island was first inhabited by Native Americans who possibly built the stone fort on Caney Fork River. There's accounts of a battle on Rock Island between Lt. Snoddy & his soldiers and Chief Doublehead & his warriors in 1793. Rock Island became the first permanent settlement in the area when the city map was filed in July 1835.
Caney Fork River Gorge's popular waterfalls include: Great Falls, Twin Falls, and the Blue Hole trail waterfall. Interesting fun fact: outdoor shots from Sylvester Stallone's movie The Specialist were filmed in Rock Island State Park.
Perfect for a weekend trip. The dam may have unscheduled water releases, so use extreme caution in the gorge. The Park will issue Safety Warnings when the dam is actively spilling water & access to the water is prohibited. Click for: swimming areas. See also: Rock Island hiking map.


Great Falls Cotton Mill
Location = Cotton Mill. 1279 Great Falls Rd, Rock Island TN.
The Cotton Mill began operating in 1892 with 23,000 square feet, and produced thick durable fabrics for sofa's & drapes. The small town of Falls City was created to house the Mill's large workforce. In 1902 tragedy struck when both the Caney Fork and the Collins Rivers flooded, trapping several workers inside the Cotton Mill.
The flooding began on Good Friday, and swept away the wheel house, the bridge, and other mills along the river. The Mill never reopened, and Rock Island State Park purchased it in 1973.
Rock Island State Park


Spring Castle
Spring Castle is located across the street from the Cotton Mill. The lush greenery around it gives it a fairytale vibe where a princess must just be locked up inside the tower.
Spring Castle used to be an elaborate spring house used to support the Cotton Mill's operation. It was critical for fire protection for the machine shop since textile mills had to place very hot machinery next to very flammable materials.
Spring Castle also provided water for Falls City and all the workers Mill's workers.




Location = Great Falls parking lot. 920 Great Falls Rd, a block further west from the Cotton Mill.
You don't want to miss these incredible falls, and they're right beside the parking lot. The water cascades over a very wide "U" shape stone ledge. When there's been sufficient rains, or when they release dam water - you can hear the roar of tumbling water. You won't be able to get down to Great Falls, but the up close views are pretty amazing.
The Great Falls Dam location = 920 Great Falls Dam Rd. Heading back towards the bridge, there's a small turnout on the right to park if you'd like to view the dam.
Great Falls
Location = Visitor Center & Park office. 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island TN. Continue past the Park office to the 2nd road on the right for Blue Hole Trail and waterfall. FYI: the trail is wet & slippery.
The trailhead sign says .5 mile. That might be one way I'm guessing. The first part of Blue Hole Trail has grated metal steps leading you down into a truly magical world. It seems like it's a million miles away from civilization, like you've literally stepped into the movie Avatar. It's AMAZING. As you continue down, you'll see rock ledges you can step out onto. Be careful, it's super slippery.




How great is Creation - the beauty of contrasting bright green and lush foliage that pops against the dark colored rock. The thick mossy outcroppings add to the beauty of this place. Take deep breaths and smell the water. Feel the moisture on your skin, and listen to the sound of falling water. It's calming and invigorating all at once.
We tried making our way below the cliff going south towards Twin Falls, but there's no real trail and we were already drenched. I don't think river shoes would have helped - it's too rocky. You can also continue a short distance further down to the Blue Hole in the river - however swimming is prohibited. But it doesn't say "no toe dipping! My final note - don't miss this magical little trek.


Stand under the large mass of mosses and rock cliffs as they constantly drip streams of water down the cliff walls.
When the steps end, you might find yourself sliding downhill as the water continues to glide downhill causing the sand and gravel rocks to slide.
Blue Hole Trail & Waterfall
Location = Twin Falls parking lots. From Hwy 136, take Power House Rd which only goes west. Follow it to the end. There's 2 parking lots.
The first parking area is on the right up against the trees. You can jump onto the trail to Twin Falls right below the lot. Or drive a 1/2 block further and park in the larger lot. From here, you can take the stairs down to the trail. We prefer this way, since you get views from another angle, and leads you directly across from Twin Falls. The trail is about 1.6 miles roundtrip from the large parking lot at the end.
Twin Falls belongs under the "majestic" category. I stood in awe of these falls - and thought they might possibly more stunning than anything I'd hiked to in Oregon. See both: Columbia River Gorge Pt 1-2 and the Waterfall Highway Pt 1-2.
There's 2 distinct sections. The left side of the Twin Falls is a wide expanse of gushing waters flowing out from the limestone rocks. What makes these falls so interesting is they're literally are springing out of the limestone click surrounded by jungle. On the right side, the water cascades down a series of rock ledges like an expansive staircase.
The Great Falls Dam was built in 1925, causing the powerful waters to react. Water takes the path of least resistance - so it changed course and travelled thru the limestone rock. Today, Twin Falls pours out of cracks & crevices about 40 feet below the top of the gorge. It's a perfect backdrop for these falls. Consider my mind blown. And FYI: pictures don't come being in the middle of this magical scene.
FYI: If they open the Dam, the water level will rise rapidly & currents will be strong - so swimming is not allowed.








Twin Falls
Rock Island - Swimming Areas
Swim Beach - The area has picnic tables & reservations are required, restrooms, and boat ramp.
The Cold Hole - Best swimming area, however the waters here are cold because they come from the lake above the Great Falls Dam.
The Warm Hole - Large area with shallow waters that are marvelously warmed by the sun.
More Fun Things to Do
9 hiking trails - up to 2 miles long of varying difficulty.
Boat launch - the area is known for it's whitewater kayaking.
Fishing, birding, picnic areas, and camping.
Ranger led interactive & educational experiences.


Vacation Travel Tips
Average temps high/low = Summer 87/67 degrees F. Winter 47/28.
TN ranks 7th for humidity. Expect snow in mountain regions.
Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.
Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, warm clothing.
Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.
Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & snow covered - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.
Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.
Trash - Pack out what you pack in.
Rivers/lakes – river shoes are very helpful. Heavy winter rains mean deep, ice-cold & fast moving water in spring.
Poison oak & ivy - always know before you touch. The common Oak has 3 leaflets per stem but can have more. Ivy always has 3 leaflets.
Poisonous Snakes - 4 types, found on land, water, and trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans, usually biting only if threatened.
Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.

