Rock Island is a popular state park in central Tennessee, located 14 miles north of McMinnville at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake. Below the Great Falls Dam, the Caney Fork Gorge features stunning picturesque views. The 30-foot Great Falls, Twin Falls, and the Blue Hole are all worth seeing. A textile mill from the 19th century is located below the falls and was once powered by the waterfall.

Observe the area's rugged natural characteristics from afar as you walk around the 916-acre park. The major reasons to be cautious during your visit to the park are the slippery limestone, fast-moving currents, and changing water levels. Swimming is prohibited in several sections, and visitors are advised to respect the warnings. Swimmers are directed to a natural sandy beach where they may access a boat. The park's white water challenges draw world-class kayakers. There are 10 cabins and 60 campsites available for overnight stays.

Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, Tennessee

Cumberland Mountain State Park is well-known due to the abundance of things to see and do on its 1,720-acre grounds. It is situated at a height of 2000 feet on the Cumberland Plateau. Begin with a leisurely stroll around Byrd Lake's mile-long circle route. 14 miles of hiking paths and four miles of bicycle routes are available in the park. Enjoy Byrd Lake, which spans 55 acres, in your own boat or one rented from the park (kayaks and rowboats are available). Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout are all available to catch.

A wading pool for youngsters and an Olympic-sized pool where you may swim laps are among the park's features. The seven-arch sandstone bridge that spans Byrd Lake is one of the most photographed attractions. In the 1930s, this was the biggest structure ever built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Special activities are held at the park throughout the year, such as a rock-climbing class in April and a "trunk or treat" on Halloween. There are no dull moments in this game!

Address: 24 Office Drive, Crossville, Tennessee

Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. It is located in Eastern Tennessee's picturesque Cumberland Plateau and is a must-see for nature lovers.

Visitors seeking natural beauty will find all they need in the 30,000-acre park. For example, Fall Creek Falls, the 256-foot waterfall that the park is named for. There are also Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, and a wildlife center to promote education in addition to this showpiece. A 345-acre lake is another advantage in this primarily natural location. Hike and cycle the trails, go boating, and fish in Fall Creek Falls Lake for catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Golf on one of America's top courses, according to Golf Digest if you're feeling adventurous. There are 225 campsites, group camping, two group lodges, and cabins to choose from. Make yourself at home in a breathtaking location!

Address: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tennessee

Burgess Falls is a 217-acre natural feature located about thirteen miles southwest of Cookeville in Putnam and White Counties. Tennessee State Parks is in charge of it. Burgess Falls is located on the steep eastern side of the Eastern Highland Rim, which has sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, waterfalls, and a diversified forest community.

Burgess Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls, which include four cascades totaling 250 feet in height. Take your time on the 1.6-mile mile loop trail that is rated strenuous because the falls are the major attraction at this 274-acre day park. If you don't mind a lot of steps, you could find it very simple. Smaller cascades will be seen first, leading up to the greatest, which plunges 130 feet into a canyon. Burgess Falls State Park was formerly home to Cherokee and Chickasaw Native American tribes. Historic features of the park, which is located south of Cookeville in central Tennessee, include a gristmill and a sawmill.

Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, Tennessee

Cummins Falls State Park is a 282-acre day-use park on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim, situated nine miles north of Cookeville. Cummins Falls is 75 feet high and Tennessee's sixth greatest waterfall in terms of volume of water., which was chosen as a state park of 2021 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

You'll need a permit to access the gorge and base of the falls, located on Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. Take pictures, cool down in ye olde swimming hole, and gaze at the 75-foot falls' beauty. The cascade is split into two sections, the first of which plunges 50 feet into a pool. When navigating the path and trekking through the gorge, use caution. Because of the slippery terrain, many stream crossings, and deep pools, it is rated as difficult. Take your time and take in the scenery. It is not without danger and challenge to get access to magnificent natural wonders such as Cummins Falls, but it is well worth the effort.

Address: 390 Cummins Falls Lane, Cookeville, Tennessee

The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is one of Tennessee's two archaeological parks. Although the 51-site campsite is only one mile from the public pool in nearby Manchester, it feels like a world away in terms of spirit and history. The site is ancient, going back over 2,000 years, and its original function remains a mystery to this day.

Visitors today may see a 50-acre hilltop enclosure made up of mounds and walls carved out of limestone cliffs. According to one notion, for hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples may have utilized this spot as a ritual gathering place. Orient yourself by approaching the 1.4-mile loop trail with interpretative signs from behind the stone museum. From the trail, you can see three levels of beautiful falls as well as the remains of an ancient paper mill. Several smaller walks branch off the main interpretive trail, which explains how sawmills, gristmills, and even a Civil War gunpowder mill developed throughout the 1800s. Trails, camping, paddling, and fishing on the Duck River are all popular activities for park visitors.

Address: 732 Stone Fort Drive, Manchester, Tennessee

The Great Cherokee War and Trading Path inspired the creation of Warriors' Path State Park. Since then, the parkland has seen many tourists and is still a popular destination for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. On the Holston River, the 950-acre park is located on the beaches of the Patrick Henry Reservoir.

The park offers premier boating and fishing opportunities, as well as hiking trails, an internationally known mountain biking trail system (marked as a National Recreational Trail), an award-winning nature education program. Warriors' Path also has an 18-hole golf course for visitors to enjoy. Horseback riding, fishing, and boating (rent a boat from the marina if you don't have one) are all options in addition to hiking and mountain biking. There are 134 campsites in the campground, as well as a seasonal swimming pool.

Panther Creek State Park lies near the Hamblen County town of Panther Springs, which is one of the county's oldest settlements. When you come here, the 2.7-mile Point Lookout Trail is the greatest place to get a panoramic view of Cherokee Lake and the Cumberland Mountains. This trail is one of 17 that encompass a total of 30 kilometers of terrain. On 15 kilometers of trails, mountain bikers can enjoy the scenery. This is part of the Cherokee Nation's traditional homeland.

To explore the reservoir, bring your own boat. The park doesn't have any rentals, however, there is a boat ramp where you may start your fishing or paddling trip. Expect to see overwintering osprey and eagles in the winter, and songbirds during other times of the year. Visitors exploring the Holston River valley on horseback can find seven miles of riding paths, including Hunt Knob Hill. Every rig and tent style is accommodated in modern camping facilities. The playground and seasonal swimming pool will bring joy to your beloved children.

Address: 2010 Panther Creek Road, Morristown, Tennessee

Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,368-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It stands out because of its abundance of animal watching chances, environmental education initiatives, hiking options, and urban location. The park is only open during the day, and the 7.75-mile trail is reserved for hiking, photography, and animal viewing. The Otter Creek Road trail is the only place where pets, running, and cycling is permitted. People who use all-terrain wheelchairs can use the Lake Trail.

Nature lovers can see owls, herons, and ducks, as well as a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals including mink and otter, in the park. The natural biological diversity of the region is enhanced by hundreds of species of wildflowers, mosses, fungus, ferns, and other plants, as well as trees, shrubs, and vines. Throughout the year, ranger-led activities such as canoe floats, wildflower walks, astronomy night hikes, nature hikes, snake programs, off-trail land acquisition excursions, and bird of prey are planned.

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, Tennessee

Dunbar Cave is a unique ancient site not just in Tennessee, but also in the Eastern Woodlands. Dunbar Cave has been used for thousands of years and is home to prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave paintings reaching back to the 14th century. The park is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and is 144 acres in size.

The state acquired the park in 1973, and it's known for its geological characteristics including rock formations, sinkholes, and caves. The cave's ancient art has been maintained, and tourists who want to see pictographs and explore the cave must sign up for a seasonal guided tour. The 2.4-mile Dunbar Cave Recovery Loop allows visitors to walk their pets. This moderately difficult woodland path follows the 20-acre Swan Lake, which is home to a variety of fauna and birds, including swans.