Great Falls Rock Island

Great Falls Rock Island can be seen from the Overlook on the Warren county side.

Great Falls: Historic 30-Foot Horseshoe Waterfall at Rock Island State Park

Discover Great Falls, a stunning 30-foot horseshoe-shaped cascading waterfall located in the dramatic Caney Fork River Gorge at Rock Island State Park. This historic waterfall once powered a 19th-century cotton textile mill over 100 years ago, and today it remains one of Tennessee’s most accessible and scenic waterfalls. The gorge features multiple cascades, world-class swimming holes (Cold Hole and Warm Hole), and exceptional kayaking opportunities attracting professional freestyle kayakers from around the world.

Waterfall Details:

• Height: 30 feet
• Type: Horseshoe-shaped cascading waterfall with multiple plunge sections
• Water Flow: Year-round; controlled by TVA Great Falls Dam
• Swimming: Two designated swimming areas (Cold Hole and Warm Hole) accessible via trails
• Best Viewing: From Old Mill overlook or gorge floor via hiking trails

TWO WAYS TO ACCESS GREAT FALLS:

ACCESS OPTION 1: Old Mill Gorge Trail (Warren County Side)

Parking Address: Old Mill Picnic Area, off TN-287, Rock Island State Park

From Park Main Entrance: Enter through the main park gates and turn left onto TN-287. Follow signs to the Old Mill picnic area.

Old Mill Overlook (Easiest View):

• Distance: Steps from parking lot
• Difficulty: Easy; no hiking required
• Features: Spectacular overlook of Great Falls from above; historic Spring Castle and cotton mill ruins nearby
• Time: 5-10 minutes

Old Mill Gorge Trail to Base:

• Distance: 0.5 miles one-way (1.0 mile roundtrip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous; steep, wet, and rocky
• Hiking Time: 45-90 minutes roundtrip
• Elevation Loss/Gain: Significant descent via multiple staircases
• Features: Close-up views of Great Falls; access to Cold Hole and Warm Hole swimming areas

Can also be accessed by Twin Falls overlook. Longer more adventurous hike

What to Expect – Old Mill Access:

The Old Mill parking area offers immediate dramatic views of Great Falls from the overlook platform. You can see the historic cotton mill ruins and Spring Castle from this vantage point—take time to explore this historic area with interpretive signage about the mill that once harnessed the waterfall’s power.

For adventurous hikers wanting to reach the gorge floor, the Old Mill Gorge Trail descends via several steep staircases carved into the limestone. This trail is legitimately strenuous—it’s steep, often wet with moving water tumbling down the stairs, and extremely rocky. The limestone can be slippery even when dry, so proper footwear with excellent grip is essential.

Once you reach the gorge floor, you’ll find yourself in a remarkable limestone canyon environment. From here, you can rock hop along the river to get right up to the base of Great Falls for incredible close-up views. The waterfall appears as three distinct 30-foot plunges fanning out across the horseshoe-shaped rock face—a spectacular sight that can’t be fully appreciated from above.

Parking Warning: Parking at the Old Mill is extremely limited, especially on weekends and holidays. If the lot appears full upon arrival, use the overflow parking areas or consider accessing Great Falls from the Upstream Trail (Option 2) instead.

ACCESS OPTION 2: Upstream Trail (White County Side – Twin Falls Parking)

Parking Address: End of Powerhouse Road, Rock Island, TN 38581

How to Get There: From the main park area, drive through the town of Rock Island, cross the Caney Fork River bridge, and follow Powerhouse Road (a winding gravel/farm road) to the parking lots at the end. This is the same parking area used for Twin Falls.

Upstream Trail to Great Falls:

• Distance: 0.5 miles one-way (1.0 mile roundtrip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Hiking Time: 45-90 minutes roundtrip
• Features: Access to Great Falls, Cold Hole, and Warm Hole; less steep than Old Mill Trail

What to Expect – Upstream Trail Access:

Park at the large parking lot at the end of Powerhouse Road (the same lot for Twin Falls). The Upstream Trail begins near the Twin Falls overlook and heads east through the gorge toward Great Falls. While still considered strenuous, this route doesn’t require as steep an ascent/descent as the Old Mill Gorge Trail, making it a slightly easier option for reaching the gorge floor.

This trail provides excellent access to all three major features in the gorge: Great Falls, Cold Hole (the premiere swimming hole), and Warm Hole. The Upstream Trail is often less crowded than the Old Mill access and typically has better parking availability.

Advantage: This access point often has parking available when the Old Mill area is completely full, making it a reliable backup option during busy weekends.

Swimming Areas in the Gorge:

Cold Hole: The premiere swimming hole in the Caney Fork River Gorge. This deep, crystal-clear pool maintains cold temperatures year-round, offering refreshing relief during summer heat. Access via either the Old Mill Gorge Trail or Upstream Trail. The Cold Hole is known for its exceptional water clarity and depth, making it a favorite among experienced swimmers.

Warm Hole: A large, shallow basin of water in the gorge that’s heated by the sun throughout the day, maintaining warmer temperatures than surrounding pools. This family-friendly swimming area is perfect for those who find the Cold Hole too chilly. Access via Old Mill Gorge Trail or Upstream Trail.

Important: All swimming in the gorge is at your own risk. Rock hopping skills required to navigate between pools.

CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION:

TVA Water Release Warnings:

The Tennessee Valley Authority controls water levels in the Caney Fork River Gorge via the Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse. Water can rise rapidly and without much warning when the dam releases water or generates hydroelectric power. This creates extremely dangerous conditions.

Before Your Visit:

• Check TVA’s website for Great Falls Dam water release schedule
• Water discharge may change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour
• The gorge trails (Old Mill and Upstream) are CLOSED when the dam is in active water spill mode

While in the Gorge:

• Watch for flashing strobe lights—these indicate gorge closure
• Warning horns sound before water releases—leave immediately if you hear them
• Monitor your surroundings constantly for rising water
• Leave the gorge immediately if water begins to rise
• Watch for slick rocks and swift currents at all times
• Never jump into water of unknown depth

Trail Closures: Both the Old Mill Gorge Trail and Upstream Trail (and their parking areas) close at:

• Sundown from November through March
• 6:00 PM from March through November

Natural Features & Wildlife:

The Caney Fork River Gorge is a beautiful limestone canyon carved over millennia by the powerful Caney Fork River. The gorge floor features smooth limestone bedrock, deep blue pools, tumbling cascades, and numerous smaller unnamed waterfalls. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays including trillium, bloodroot, and various native species. Wildlife includes Great Blue Herons, pileated woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, songbirds, and various aquatic species.

Historical Significance:

Great Falls powered the Great Falls Cotton Mill (also called Falls City Cotton Mill) built in 1892 on the bluffs above the waterfall. The mill operated until 1902, using the waterfall’s natural power for textile production. Visitors can still see the mill ruins from the Old Mill overlook. The Spring Castle, a historic spring house, is also located near the Old Mill area and worth exploring.

Throughout Park:

• Visitor Center with gift shop
• Multiple picnic pavilions (reservable)
• Natural sand beach on Center Hill Lake
• Boat launch ramps
• Camping (60 sites) and cabins (10 cabins)
• Dogs allowed on leads

Important Visitor Information:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for peak water flow and wildflowers; summer for swimming (check dam schedule); fall for foliage
• What to Bring: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip, water shoes for swimming/rock hopping, plenty of drinking water, waterproof phone case, first aid kit, towel
• Trail Conditions: Wet, rocky, slippery limestone; moving water may flow down stairs on Old Mill Trail
• Physical Requirement: Both trails are genuinely strenuous; only attempt if in good physical condition
• Not Recommended For: Small children on gorge trails, elderly, anyone uncomfortable with steep technical terrain
• Kayaking: World-class freestyle kayaking below Great Falls; international competitions held here
• Photography: Multiple vantage points from overlook and gorge floor; early morning or late afternoon for best lighting

Nearby Waterfalls in Rock Island State Park:

• Twin Falls (80 feet) – man-made waterfall emerging from cave
• Little Falls (75 feet) – accessible via Downstream Trail
• Numerous unnamed cascades and seeps throughout gorge
• Blue Hole Falls – accessible via Blue Hole Trail

Park Contact: Rock Island State Park Office: 931-686-2471

TVA Dam Information: Check water release schedule: http://www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Great-Falls

Driving Directions:

To Old Mill Access (Option 1): From Rock Island town center, enter Rock Island State Park main entrance. Turn left onto TN-287 and follow signs to Old Mill picnic area.

To Upstream Trail Access (Option 2): From the main park, continue through Rock Island town, cross the Caney Fork River bridge, and follow Powerhouse Road (winding gravel road through farmland) to the parking lots at road’s end.

Pro Tips:

• If Old Mill parking is full, use the Upstream Trail access for better parking availability
• Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and better parking
• Wear water shoes if you plan to rock hop or swim—essential for navigating slippery limestone
• Bring a waterproof bag for electronics and valuables
• Start early in the day to avoid afternoon crowds and heat
• Always check TVA website before visiting to ensure safe water conditions
• The climb back up either trail is significantly more challenging than the descent—pace yourself