Old Stone Fort Trail
661-799 Stone Fort Drive, Tennessee
Details
Distance
2.51 miles
Elevation Gain
338 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Katie Y
Old Stone Fort Trail makes for a perfect short day hike at the state park allows you to see three different waterfalls and has a couple adjoining trails to hop on!
The main hiking trail at this small state park follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail threads through dramatic scenery where you can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Visitors can learn about the Old Stone Fort on this hike with twelve interpretive panels along this trail as well as enjoying the areas graceful waterfalls.
You'll park at the main parking lot found at my location point above. You'll first walk past the museum, where there is a ranger during business hours to talk about the park. Stop in there to learn more about some of the informative historical relics!
The trail starts directly beside the museum. It will wind around the park in a loop, following the Little Duck River below you. You'll start out at higher level than the river, but you'll gradually be brought back to ground level halfway through. You'll be circling around the flat prairie-like field at the center of the park. There are benches there and a small path, where you can walk over to those areas. Staying on the trail will lead you by many waterfalls and cascades, including Bluehole Falls, Big Falls, and Little Falls. There are two adjoining trails that you can break off on and hike. They will start and end at a part of the main Old Stone Fort Trail. Follow the white blazes for the main trail. Yellow and Red are the adjoining short trails. Keep an eye out for river otters and beautiful wildflowers during the spring!
If you're camping at this park, just walk past the parking lot and across the blue/aqua bridge. The campgrounds are directly past the bridge following the road.
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Old Stone Fort Trail Reviews
Incredible day at the Old Stone Fort today. I started on the main trail, which I have taken many times to check out the gorgeous waterfalls here. Today I continued down the Forks of the River Trail, down to the Little Duck River. It hasn’t rained much lately, so the water was low enough to walk across at some points. I found a very quiet spot to set up a hammock and relax in the shade for a couple hours. Absolutely perfect. There are lots of unanswered questions about the use of this area by the indigenous peoples of the past several thousand years, and it feels special to pass through the same woods and marvel at the same streams. Then on the way out I got turned around and took the Backbone Trail, which was difficult but rewarding. I love this park.
5.0
This hike was great! It is really easy to park and had multple parking spaces. There is multiple paths to get down to the waterfalls/river so its not to crowded. I would recommend bringing a bathing suit. There are many areas where you can swim or just put your feet in the water. My dogs loved it and were able to climb up and down the embankment. Definitely a great place to bring your family to see and hang out.
5.0
Enjoyed the hike along the river. Stopping at the museum is a must to get the full scope of the history here. I really enjoyed it!
5.0
Leave No Trace
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