Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is an 870-acre rustic park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake and at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. Its rugged beauty is punctuated by two stunning waterfalls and the imposing Caney Fork Gorge that is between them. Unlike other state park waterfalls, the 80 foot twin Falls and the 30-foot Great Falls have a constant flow of water due to the Great Falls Dam. The dammed water seeps back into the porous limestone and then escapes through large cracks, creating the impressive waterfalls. , Rock Island is a paradise for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The Blue Hole is the spawning ground for the walleye in Center Hill Lake. march and April usher in an abundance of spring ephemerals making the park a destination for its wildflowers. , Historic features of the park include a 19th century textile mill and one of Tennessee's early hydroelectric plants. Rock Island State Park began as the village of Rock Island. The village was the first permanent settlement in Warren County, and served as the county seat. The first major industry in the area was logging. In 1892, three local businessmen, Clay Faulkner, H.L. Walling, and Jesse Walling, established the Great Falls Cotton Mill. The mill was powered by the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River. The men also established a company town called Falls City. , In 1902, a flood severely damaged the mill facilities, and it shut down. The owners sold the property to the Great Falls Power Company. The Great Falls Hydroelectric Plant was built and put into operation January 1, 1917. The Tennessee Electric Power Company acquired the dam and powerplant in 1922 and expanded operations. The 800-foot long dam, which still stands, dams the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers, creating the Great Falls Lake. , The dam and powerhouse switched hands again in 1939 when they were acquired by the TVA. The TVA later granted the surrounding land to the state, and Rock Island State Park was created in 1969. The cotton mill, and TVA dam and hydroelectirc plant are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. the dam and hydroelectric plant remain in operation by the TVA. , , SAFETY AT ROCK ISLAND , To make your visit to the park as safe and enjoyable as possible, please obtain and read a safety brochure upon arriva to the park USE EXTREME CAUTION IN THE GORGE AREA!!! , Unscheduled water releases from Great Falls Dam or the TVA Powerhouse can occur at any time, with or without warning. Visitors entering the gorge area should use extreme caution, note current water levels, and be prepared to exit the area quickly if sirens sound or waters begin to rise .Use of PFD/Life Jackets is advised any time you are near water. .Swimming or wading is prohibited from the TVA powerhouse downstream all the way to the main beach boat ramp due to hidden and deadly currents. This includes Twin Falls and Blue Hole. .Visitors with young children or underlying health conditions should not enter the gorge. This is an extremely rugged area. .Do not climb on or jump from rocks or bluffs. .Do not jump into water of unknown depths. .Wear Sturdy footwear. Avoid flip-flops or other slip-on style shoes. , Check the TVA water release/generation schedules prior to entering the gorge, For more info call 800-238-2264 option 4, #36) or visit www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Great- Falls