Rock Island State Park

About Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is an 883-acre park on the eastern edge of Rock Island County, Tennessee, south of Knoxville. The rugged beauty of the park includes the Great Falls, a 30-foot waterfall, as well as a number of other natural attractions. Rock Island was declared Tennessee State Park in 1969 and is now home to the Tennessee Department of Natural Resources (TNR) and Tennessee Parks and Recreation (TNPR). The Great Falls are 30 foot waterfalls located on the site of a 19th century cotton textile factory that was operated over 100 years ago.

The park has 10 vacation homes located on the east side of the park near the Great Falls and the Rock Island River Trail. Each cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, each equipped with household items such as a stove, hob, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and other household items.

At the other end of the campsite there is a dump, which provides comfort on a closed campsite. Campers must register at the park office and campers will camp at one of the two sites located on the west side of Rock Island State Park near the Great Falls and River Trail. Rock Island has two campsites, one for adults and two for children under 18.

The park's natural sandy beach is located at the headwaters of beautiful Center Hill Lake and the maximum stay is two weeks. The facility is open all year round, but campsites should be reserved in advance by calling the park office.

The park's main parking lot on the south side of Center Hill Lake, south of the beach, features a large parking lot and a modern bathhouse.
Watch out for smooth rocks and fast currents, but always be careful in the gorge and always leave it as soon as the water rises
Do not jump to unknown depths or into the water, even if it is only a few meters below the surface of the river.

Rock Island is known for its white water kayaks and has hosted international freestyle kayaking competitions. Rock Island State Park, the largest national park in New York, offers access to the greatest pleasure of boating. Extreme care is required in the gorges and some areas of the park can be dangerous and vulnerable to flooding, mudslides and other hazardous conditions and other hazards.

Large amounts of water can be released at any time without warning and conditions can change quickly without you noticing. If you hear a warning siren, do not leave the building until you notice a change in conditions. Always carry a PDF file with you and check before your visit if weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow or snow melt are changing.

Boating and fishing are popular in the summer and autumn months, as well as in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Boat trips can be made from the shore or from one of the many boat ramps in the parking lot.

Blue Hole Center Hill Lake is located directly on the park's shores and is considered one of the most scenic lakes in Rock Island State Park. It is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and other recreational activities in the area.

In spring, fishing is good and visitors can go boating and skiing well into autumn, but a valid TN fishing license is required. The catch includes small, medium, large and medium sized fish as well as some larger fish. Blue Hole Center Hill Lake, the largest lake in Rock Island State Park, is accessible by boat from a jetty in the park and can be reached by boat or skis.

There are four picnic spots in the park, whether on the beach, in a picnic area, by the lake or at one of the picnic tables at Blue Hole Center Hill.

You can make a reservation one year in advance or book a group, and each table is equipped with a table for grilling and drinking water.

The park has nine hiking trails, and the area is populated by great egrets, wild flowers and waterfalls. Caney Fork Gorge can be reached from the main entrance of the park on the east side of Rock Island State Park.

Black-crowned night herons can be seen in the park, while the great blue heron has a rookie nearby, as well as many other birds of prey.