Outbound Collective logo

Rock Island, Tennessee

Top Spots in and near Rock Island

  • Rock Island, Tennessee

    Twin Falls, Rock Island State Park

    4.4
    0.3 mi / 125 ft gain
    Upon entering Rock Island State Park from the east, the parking area for this trail is located right after the old cotton mill (my friend and I actually ended up getting lost because it is tucked away there quite nicely). The trail that leads to Twin Falls actually starts at the westernmost part ...
    Read more
  • Rock Island, Tennessee

    Camp at Rock Island State Park

    4.8
    This little campground is nestled in Rock Island State Park. There are two campgrounds, this one is specifically tents only. Each campsite is pull in and provides you with enough room to set up two tents. In addition each campsite has a four sided picnic bench, fire pit, trash can, charcoal grill...
    Read more
  • Smithville, Tennessee

    Hike to Carmac Falls

    5.0
    1 mi / 90 ft gain
    It is important to note that Carmac Falls is located on the private property of Evins Mill, a resort and special event venue that hosts weddings, conferences and other contractually exclusive events. As such, one must be a guest of the resort in order to access its property and enjoy its trails, ...
    Read more
  • Sparta, Tennessee

    Hike to Lost Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.16 mi / 62 ft gain
    GPS Coordinates: 35.84102,-85.36123 Why We Love It: NO CROWDS- We only came across a few other people so, it’s a little more low key than some other popular Tennessee waterfalls. DISNEY LOVED IT- This was a filming location for Disney’s 1994 The Jungle Book!CAVE- Across the path there is a lar...
    Read more
  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Photograph Buzzard's Roost Overlook

    5.0
    0.04 mi / 10 ft gain
    Located in the beautiful state park of Fall Creek Falls, you'll find this overlook along with Millikan's Overlook. Both overlooks showcase the views shown in my photos, however, Buzzard's Roost is a short walk down the side trail that gives a more solitude experience that you may be looking for. ...
    Read more
  • Scenic Loop Road, Tennessee

    Hike to the Base of Fall Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.86 mi / 299 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park hosts a variety of large waterfalls which can easily become confusing. The park's main attraction is the 256 foot waterfall dubbed "Fall Creek Falls." Fall Creek Falls is observable from a viewing platform less than a five minute walk from the Scenic Loop Road parking ...
    Read more
  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Fall Creek Falls

    4.7
    2.76 mi / 781 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfal...
    Read more
  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls

    5.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy some quiet solitude and get away from the usual week...
    Read more
  • Sparta, Tennessee

    Burgess Falls

    4.5
    1.56 mi / 95 ft gain
    If you like waterfalls, this hike is for you. Along the way you'll pass by Falling Water Cascades (20 ft), Little Falls ( 30 ft), Middle Falls (80 ft) and finally the main event, Burgess Falls (136 ft). There are a few spots for swimming so bring your suit if it's a warm day. It's an easy hike s...
    Read more
  • Mooneyham, Tennessee

    Welch's Point

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 79 ft gain
    This location was recently opened back to the public by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment in the fall of 2014 after being closed for over a decade! It is one of the most spectacular spots to watch the sunset in east Tennessee. This o...
    Read more
  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Hike to Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower

    4.5
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    The tower is located in the far northeast corner of Fall Creek Falls state park. The road to get there can be rough especially if it has rained recently but any 2 wheel drive vehicle should be able to make it. When you get to the trailhead it is a small gravel pull off with a gate. From the gate ...
    Read more
  • Sparta, Tennessee

    Virgin Falls State Natural Area Loop

    5.0
    4.46 mi / 400 ft gain
    Beginning at the Virgin Falls SNA parking area, the Virgin Falls trail is approximately a 9 mile round trip (excluding any side trails) which will allow you to experience three waterfalls: Big Branch Falls, Big Laurel Falls, and the namesake Virgin Falls. There is a fourth, Sheep Cave Falls, that...
    Read more
  • Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

    Hike to Stone Door and Alum Gap Campground

    6.8 mi / 825 ft gain
    This is a fun and easy overnight trip that is good for all ages. Start at the Stone Door Ranger Station which has plenty of parking and public restrooms as well. Follow the signs to the Stone Door Trailhead and in a short 0.8 miles you'll arrive at the edge of the gulf (canyon) and the first sign...
    Read more
  • Altamont, Tennessee

    Greeter Falls and Blue Hole

    4.9
    1.79 mi / 417 ft gain
    An easy, yet extremely beautiful and well marked drive leads to a pretty sizable parking lot at the trailhead. There are multiple trails to hike, depending on how much time you have or how long you want to hike. This particular trail makes for a perfect day trip from Nashville, Chattanooga or Kno...
    Read more
  • Altamont, Tennessee

    Hike the Falls Loop Trail in South Cumberland State Park

    4.5
    3.2 mi / 500 ft gain
    Nestled in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, the popular Falls Loop Trail begins across from the Greeter Falls parking lot. At 0.4 miles into the hike you'll reach a fork in the trail, take the left route towards Boardtree Falls. Right before reaching the waterfall you'll come upon a suspension...
    Read more
  • Palmer, Tennessee

    Hike the North Plateau-North Rim Loop at Savage Gulf

    4.0
    14.7 mi / 2483 ft gain
    From the Savage Ranger Station, take the Savage Day Loop for roughly 2.2 miles until you reach the junction. From there take the North Plateau trail and return on the North Rim trail. The elevation gain on this trail is rather gradual and and subtle, but it is a long trek that requires endurance ...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Rock Island

Ragland Bottom
Sparta, Tennessee

Ragland Bottom

Hurricane Bridge
Silver Point, Tennessee

Hurricane Bridge

Floating Mill Park
Smithville, Tennessee

Floating Mill Park

Long Branch
Silver Point, Tennessee

Long Branch

Salt Lick Creek
Gainesboro, Tennessee

Salt Lick Creek

Defeated Creek Park
Carthage, Tennessee

Defeated Creek Park

Guides, Insights and Stories from Rock Island

Explore The Cascades Of Tennessee: 10 Must-See Waterfalls

Explore The Cascades Of Tennessee: 10 Must-See Waterfalls

Clare Healy

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours In Chattanooga, Tennessee

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours In Chattanooga, Tennessee

Clare Healy

The Top 5 Winter Adventures in East Tennessee

The Top 5 Winter Adventures in East Tennessee

Jared Beeler

The Best Fire Towers to Explore in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina

The Best Fire Towers to Explore in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina

Jared Beeler

5 Must-Do Fall Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

5 Must-Do Fall Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

Jared Beeler