Old Stone Fort, Manchester Tn.

Located in Manchester, Tennessee, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park features dramatic scenery with well-marked hiking trails that wind through a 50-acre prehistoric Native American ceremonial enclosure.

The Enclosure Trail (1.40 miles, easy to moderate) is the main hiking route, accessed behind the museum building. This loop trail follows the perimeter of the ancient fort along deep gorges carved by the Duck and Little Duck Rivers, featuring 12 interpretive signs explaining the site’s history. For a longer experience, the Enclosure, Forks of the River, and Backbone Loop is a popular 3.1-mile route with 282 feet of elevation gain, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete.

Blue Hole Falls: The widest waterfall in the park at 60 feet across, cascading over a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The right side maintains nice flow year-round. Big Falls: The largest waterfall in the park, featuring a dramatic 30-foot drop that splashes off multiple smooth rock formations at its base. Step Falls (also called Little Falls): Features multiple cascading steps over an extended stretch of river, with water flowing over rock ledges creating a stepped or stairway appearance due to layered sedimentary rock.

There are numerous swimming holes along the rivers popular with summer visitors, and several access points where you can reach the water’s edge. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset year-round, with free admission. Don’t forget to check out the Welcome center. Don’t forget to look for  Machine Falls and Rutledge Falls.  

Feel free to submit a trail and pictures.