Rock Island State Park has a strange layout but is jam-packed with interesting sites. If you stop…read morein the Visitor Center, they have maps and written directions on how to hit the highlights easily. You can view different falls, cascades, flow stones, and more from short distance strolls to overlooks, or delve deeper into the gorge for a closer view. Swimming is not permitted except in certain areas, so take notice, people have drowned here. Be careful when hiking and exploring the floor of the gorge as the dam can release water with limited warning. That being said, the Twin Falls and Great Falls are lovely, and the diverse landscape keeps the walk extremely interesting! Me and the dog did the Upstream and Downstream trails on the Twin Falls side, and the Gorge Trail on the Great Falls side, and while Dianne, they are steep and slippery, so wear proper shoes!

What a beautiful well maintained park! The falls area is amazing. The trails and the bridge access…read moreare well worth the hike.

You can easily see why this is one of the most visited state parks!! It's huge, for one, with lots…read moreof hiking trails that highlight the key features of the park, think lots of waterfalls!! Most are visible from overlooks with short hikes, and for the more adventurous, there are treks to the bottom of the namesake falls, a cable trail (bring leather gloves, carabiner, possibly climbing gear) to Rockhouse Falls, or longer trails like the Paw Paw loop, Overlook trail, or even the Prater Place for a hidden Hemlock Falls. I also stayed in the lodge, which was fantastic! The rooms were well equipped, comfortable, and had great features like balconies. The view at the restaurant over the lake was beautiful, especially at sunset. The fisherman style cabins have decks literally on the water, so that looked like a must see at some point, too!! Couple of other hits: pet friendly rooms, pet friendly trails, golf course, cabins, fire pit and pool at lodge, Nature Center, and Visitor Center!

One of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. If you're traveling between Kentucky and…read moreAtlanta, I highly recommend stopping by Fall Creek Falls State Park. A few tips I want to share: 1.There's no admission fee. You can enjoy this incredible view thoroughly for free. 2.The park is enormous. If you're using GPS, do not search "Fall Creek Falls State Park." Like me, you might end up in the middle of the park with no clear direction to the falls. Instead, search for "Base of Fall Creek Falls" to go directly to the waterfall area. It's also a great place to relax, with a resort-like atmosphere and a beautifully maintained golf course. If you need a refreshing break, definitely consider visiting this park.

It was a great beginner hike not too steep and plenty to see. If you get there early enough you'll…read morebe able to get to the end and back before the crowds.

Such a cool hidden gem about an hour drive from Knoxville. There is dirt parking for maybe 10 cars…read moreat the trailhead. Not many cars when I got there around noon but it was full when I got back on a Saturday around 3pm. Took my dog out for his 10th birthday and he had a blast. Loves outdoors and the water. You can take the full loop and see the smaller falls and the the bigger falls. Or you can see one, come back around and then see the other. The only reason you wouldn't do the full loop is because it does get a little steep and rocky and there is a cable to help get down. Don't let the cable steer you away. I had my dog with me and was a little nervous only using one hand and the other with the leash, but it was pretty simple to get down. Also recommend going right at the split so you can go DOWN the rocks instead of climb up the rocks at the point. Overall gorgeous views. Mostly shaded throughout the hike but be sure to bring water!

Quick excursion but still worth the stop! Short trek down a fairly easy path to a beautiful…read morewaterfall.

This is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy nature. One of Southeast Tennessee's hidden gems. The…read moreHike to the bottom is very strenuous, lots of slick rocks and steep inclines over rocks. All the work is well worth the hazards.

Love this hike! We went on a rainy day, hardly anyone on the trail. It was too chilly to swim, but…read moreevery portion of the trail was gorgeous!!! Can't wait to go back!!

Absolutely beautiful!! I went with my neighbors and we had a great time! The virgin falls is huge…read moreand it's stunning, we are going back and camping nearby. Can't get enough!

CNF is a part of the Appalachian Mountains range. In June, 2025 it is a verdant forest with hidden…read moregems around many corners. CNF is located in eastern Tennessee, borders North Carolina and borders and within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's enjoyed especially by motorcyclists, outdoors and certain motor enthusiasts. Cell reception can be spotty and satellite connection is challenging. The roads were mostly 2 lanes with very limited turnarounds, passing lanes and parking other than designated lots and limited along the side of the road. The forest and the views were enchanting! Leave No Trace!

What an awesome drive. The views are spectacular. Perfect for a road trip when you're in the area…read more We got beautiful pictures during the winter and again in the summer of the Milky Way.

This was my favorite place in Tennessee ever! It's a beautiful twisty turny drive and the falls…read moreare not too far from the car. It is a steep downward walk then you must be able to walk over lots of rocks and back up to your car. You can go all around and under the waterfall and in the pool. It's shallow and perfect for kids. The rocks are slippery so have some water shoes. My mom and Auntie could only come down about 100 feet so they put their chairs on the steps and waited for us. Their is no bathroom around so use the restroom on the way. The cave is close to the falls and it feels like someone turned on the air conditioner. It is awesome on a hot summer day. But watch your steps carefully. The whole ground is full of boulders and loose rocks to step over and sometimes muddy soil. We finished our day driving to fall creek falls state park to see the views there.

We went here recently for a small hike. Great waterfall and a nice short hike for kids. The cave…read morewas closed for hypernating bats but looks amazing. I would definitely go back again

We love this TN State Park! Rangers are always super hospitable and the trails are well kept. Make…read moresure to visit the bridge in the Pioneer Loop Trail.

Free to enter. Nice…read morepark and drive and respite for the day. Lots of areas to set up a picnic, patios and lots of good spots to hangout for the day. I see folks with fishing poles, a large group of friends and family, maybe to get dinner for tonight. Some spots to see the waterfall from the bridge.

Wooden Park is still here! Just a heads up, there's some construction happening across from the…read morepark, so the front parking lot is closed. No worries, though! Just park right when you drive in. The only small downside is that there are wasps around. So keep an eye on the kids and encourage them not to bother them. Other than that its a great park i love how this wooden park is still here!

Nice local little park for my grand daughter. Excellent design to stir up the imagination of a…read more3&1/2 year old. She has so much fun that she didn't want to leave. We'll definitely be going back for more play time in a well layed out design for children's safe experience.

I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Extremely nice! Not a bad price either You can bring your own food which is nice. A great way to…read morehave a family day