Butterfly Garden Project - June 1 & 2 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1& 2! Volunteers are needed to help with our Native Plant-Butterfly Garden Restoration Project beginning at 10 a.m. CT each day. Help us create a homey habitat for these flying wonders while also beautifing the park. A new butterfly garden will be planted at the Mill overlook and at Area 2. We need a helping hand, groups and families welcome. Help a little while or stay the whole time. Please bring gardening gloves. For more information contact Dava Lundquist 931-686-2471 ext. 4.
NEW - Campsite Reservation System
Online reservations for campsites are now available. This service will offer visitors more ease and convenience when it comes to their park stay.
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Rock Island Campground Reservations
The
scenic beauty of this wooded park is dominated by the Great Falls
of the Caney Fork River - an imposing limestone gorge (called
a gulf in southern culture). It provides scenic overlooks, waterfalls
and deep pools for fishing, rock-hopping and exploring. Located
at the confluence of the Collins and Caney Fork Rivers, this 883-acre
park has a natural sand beach on Center Hill Resevoir. Historic
features of the park include a 19th century textile mill and one
of Tennessee's early hydroelectric plants.
Boating/Fishing
Use extreme caution in all gorge areas.
Large amounts of water may be released at any time without warning. Exit immediately if you hear warning sirens or notice changes in conditions. Always wear your lifejacket & check both generation & dam spillage schedules for TVA Great Falls. For further information call 800-238-2264 option 4, (#36) or visit http://www.tva.gov/lakes/gfh_r.htm.
Boat Ramp Advisory: Due to renovation construction at Center Hill Dam and resulting lowered lake levels, please call the park office for most current status and availability of the boat ramps at the park.
Lake and River fishing
Boating and fishing are very popular on Center Hill Lake as
well as on Great Falls Lake. There is a free public launching
ramp on Great Falls Lake. The Blue Hole, on Center Hill Lake,
lies adjacent to the park shore and is the spawning ground for
the walleye in Center Hill Lake. It is considered one of the
finest fishing places in the state. It is accessible via a boat
launching ramp located in the park. Fishing is best in the spring,
but visitors enjoy boat riding and skiing well into the fall.
Fish catches include bass, musklunge, and bluegill. Valid TN
Fishing license is required.
Tennessee
Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee
Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Cabins
The park features 10 cabins. The three bedroom/two bath cabins
are completely equipped for housekeeping including appliances,
coffee pot, microwave, cooking utensils, dishes, and linens.
Each cabin also features a fireplace with gas logs (seasonal),
television, VCR, and charcoal grill. The cabins are open year
round. No pets are allowed with the exception of service animals.
1/2 mile from Center Hill Lake.
For reservations: 800-713-6065
Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.
Camping
NEW – Rock Island Campground Reservations are now available online.
(Click Here for Map & Camping Details)
Rock Island has 60 campsites, each equipped with 30 amp electrical
and water hookups, grill, and picnic table. Three modern bathhouses
(with hot water showers, lavatories, and commodes) are located
in the camping area. There is a dump station at the far end
of the campground for the convenience of self-contained camping
rigs. Campers must register at the park office. Campsites can
be reserved, maximum stay limit is two weeks. This facility
is open year round.
Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance
and are recommended. Visit our Image Gallery
Reservations
931-686-2471
800-713-6065
Tent camping is allowed.
Events and Programs
2013 Special Events (printer friendly pdf)
January 1 - First Hike
March 16 & 17 - Waterfall Week
March 9 & 10 - Guided Wildflower Hikes
March 16 & 17 - Guided Wildflower Hikes
March 23 & 24 - Guided Wildflower Hikes
March 30 - Easter Celebration
June 1 & 2 - National Trails Day
July 4 - 6 -
Fourth of July Events
Sept. 28 & 29 - 38th annual Lion's Club Fall Festival & Craft Fair
Oct. 5 - Rock Island 5 Miler
Oct. 26 - Halloween
Programs and Activities
Dragonfly and Damselfly Checklist
Programs are scheduled on a weekly basis throughout the summer
and include activities such as:
Interpretive hikes
Canoe floats
Pontoon boat tours
Birdwalks
Rock hops in the gorge
Live animal programs
Softball
Volleyball
Horseshoes and much more
Special programs may also be set-up by contacting the park's
interpretive specialist.
Also enjoy:
Tennessee Wildlife
Interpretive Canoe Float-Seasonal
Owl Prowl-Seasonal
Campfire Program
Birding Programs
For more information on interpretive programs, contact park naturalist at 931-686-2471.
Picnic Facilities
There are four picnicking areas wtihin the park. All are equipped
with tables, grills, and drinking water. All have restroom facilities.
Two picnic pavilions that can accommodate up to 100 people
each, can be reserved for group use. Reservations may be made
up to a year in advance.
Swimming
The park's natural sand beach is located on the headwaters
of the beautiful Center Hill Lake. Adequate parking space and
a modern bathhouse are provided. No lifeguards on duty.
Other Activities
Badminton
Basketball
Horseshoes
Ping-Pong
Playground
Softball
Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Board Games
Tour Buses
Buses are welcome at the park.
At least one cabin at the park is accessible to persons with a disability.