January 29, 2020 - Waterfall Wednesday - Great Falls at Rock Island State Park

Great Falls at Rock Island State Park (30ft in height)

Great Falls is located near what is known as the "Nursery Capital of the World", in a place known as Rock Island State Park. Rock Island is located in, you guess it, Rock Island, TN. This park actually spreads across two counties, Warren County, and White County. It was given designation as a state park in 1969.This is a hidden gem in Middle Tennessee, that many people may have never heard of in their lives.

Rock Island is about a 4 1/2 hour drive heading east from Memphis. If you are in the Nashville area, lucky for you it is only about an hour and 40 minutes to the east. One of the best things about the waterfalls at Rock Island is that due to the dam these waterfalls run constantly, so they never dry up. As you would imagine due to its name there is plenty of rocky landscape to take in with the two beautiful waterfalls.

A little close up of one section 

 There is also a sandy beach at Rock Island State Park where you can swim along an area of Center Hill Lake. It was pretty quiet the one time I visited that part with a friend. If the gorge happens to be open, and you are up for the task, then you MUST take advantage of the sights down below. Great Falls literally requires you to park your car and look down though to admire its beauty. Some of the best pictures I have ever seen of Great Falls were taken just inside the parking lot located next to the old Cotton Mill Building.

Just two goofballs rock hoppin' around a waterfall!

Rock Island State Park is on the Cumberland Plateau, so you are definitely in for a fun drive. If you choose to, you will have some pretty hilly hikes in the area as well. Take your time, take in the scenery and take lots of pictures.                                                                                                         

There is another waterfall there known as Twin Falls. It is very impressive as well. So, if you are ever near the Cumberland Plateau, or want to get off the beaten path a little bit, treat yourself to Great Falls, and the rest of the beautiful scenery that comprises Rock Island State Park.





 Rock Island State Park is located in Rock Island, TN, outside of McMinnville, where you will encounter more plant nurseries than you ever thought existed. 

A little more about Rock Island  - from the Tennessean newspaper