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Rock Island, Tennessee

Top Spots in and near Rock Island

  • Palmer, Tennessee

    Savage Falls Trail

    5.0
    2.98 mi / 495 ft gain
    Savage Gulf Natural Area has more than 50 miles of trails, so be sure to start this adventure from the Savage Gulf Ranger Station entrance. To the right of the building, you'll find the trailhead for the Savage Day Loop. There, you can begin the 1.8-mile journey to the park's more-secluded waterf...
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  • Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee

    Hike to Suter and Horsepound Falls

    4.0
    6 mi / 1794 ft gain
    Located in South Cumberland State Park in the Savage Gulf section, this is a somewhat difficult 5 mile out-and-back viewing two waterfalls, cascades, creeks, rock shelters, and high bluffs. 2 miles past Suter Falls you'll come to Horsepound Falls, a unique waterfall formation with overlooks and l...
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  • Cookeville, Tennessee

    Cummins Falls

    4.7
    2.79 mi / 518 ft gain
    Catch the trailhead down to the falls at the parking lot. The trail quickly approaches the rim of the river gorge to provide hikers with a great bird's eye view of the falls. After snapping a few photos of the falls from above, follow the clearly marked trail down to the river's edge. From there,...
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  • 661-799 Stone Fort Drive, Tennessee

    Hike Old Stone Fort Trail

    5.0
    2.9 mi / 265 ft gain
    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...
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  • Dayton, Tennessee

    Hike through the Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness

    5.0
    6 mi / 900 ft gain
    The Laurel-Snow Trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee and at just under 35 miles from downtown Chattanooga, it is perfect for a day hike, for a day of climbing, or for setting up basecamp for the weekend. The 2,000 acre area sits along the Walden Ridge of the Cumbe...
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  • Tracy City, Tennessee

    Firey Gizzard, Dog Hole and Ravens Point

    5.0
    8.42 mi / 1302 ft gain
    Firey Gizzard, Dog Hole and Ravens Point is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Tracy City, Tennessee.
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  • Tracy City, Tennessee

    Sycamore Falls

    4.5
    2.18 mi / 236 ft gain
    Sycamore Falls is located in the Fiery Gizzard region of South Cumberland State Park. The trailhead is located just past Tracy City Elementary School on Fiery Gizzard Road. There is a large parking lot with restrooms at the trailhead. Start your hike at the south end of the parking lot. This ...
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  • Tracy City, Tennessee

    Hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail

    5.0
    13.5 mi
    Start this journey from the Grundy Forest Trailhead, where you will quickly begin a decent along the Little Fiery Gizzard Creek. At the 0.7-mile split, be sure to turn left and cross the bridge to stay on the Fiery Gizzard Trail. For the next 0.8-mile journey, you'll encounter the gorgeous Black ...
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  • Spring City, Tennessee

    Hike to Stinging Fork Falls

    3.5
    3 mi / 400 ft gain
    The trail begins on the right side of the parking lot. The first part is flat with no elevation change and easy walking. About half a mile in you will reach a trail split. The right trail will take you to the falls and the left trail will take you to an overlook of the gorge below. I was not able...
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  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Hike to Rutledge Falls

    4.0
    0.4 mi / 3 ft gain
    Find the trail parking area by following your GPS to “Rutledge Falls Baptist Church”. You will see a small parking area on the side of the road across the street from the church. The path to the falls is extremely short with a steep section to climb down to the base of the falls. This trail is on...
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  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Machine Falls Loop at Short Springs Natural Area

    4.8
    4.07 mi / 732 ft gain
    The Machine Falls loop at Short Springs Natural Area is a 1.6 mile round trip hike easily followed by white blazes.  It is rated moderate difficulty due to the short, steep descent into a gorge where the falls is located.  The trail is sparsely trafficked; there are usually quite a few people han...
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  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Hike to Lower and Upper Busby Falls

    4.8
    2 mi / 275 ft gain
    Short Springs Natural Area is where these falls are located. There is a decent amount of hiking trails that are a nice getaway for a day to hang out at for waterfalls. Put into your gps "machine falls parking." The gps will take you to the exact parking area. The directions go as follows from Nas...
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  • Sequatchie, Tennessee

    Foster Falls Loop

    4.6
    2.19 mi / 574 ft gain
    Foster Falls State Park is part of the South Cumberland State Park system. A short 45 minute drive from Chattanooga, Foster Falls boasts a stunning 60 foot waterfall that is worth visiting during any season of the year. The trailhead for this 2 mile hike starts from the Foster Falls parking lot a...
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  • Sequatchie, Tennessee

    Climb Gravity Boots and After Burner

    Foster Falls State Park is a sport climber's paradise, with most climbs tailored to advanced and expert climbers. Gravity Boots and After Burner are two climbs found on the Rocket Slab which is a standalone piece of rock to the left of the Sanford Wall. Both climbs run about 40'-50' and are bol...
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  • Sequatchie, Tennessee

    Climb at Foster Falls SP

    5.0
    4.5 mi
    Foster Falls will suit any climber. A novice climber can find routes here, and an expert can find new and exciting projects. There are a few camping sites near the climbing area. Father Adams which is a primitive spot, and Foster Falls campground which has a shower and toilets (around $16 a night...
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  • Grandview, Tennessee

    Hike to Piney Falls

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    The gravel road heading to the trailhead is on the rougher side to take it slow. When you get to the trailhead it’s a small gravel pull off right off the road. There are no maps at the trailhead but there are only a few trails to take and they are marked with a blue marker. To get to the upper fa...
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