Twin Falls Rock Island

Twin Falls Rock Island State Park is on the White county side of the park. You’ll have to make the loop around to a small gravel road leading to the overlook. The overlook of the Twin falls is at the parking lot, easy access. If you want a more scenic route, it’s there for you to explore. At the overlook you can descend the stairs, and go to the right. It will lead you through a beautiful path all along the rock bluff. There is a small rock house with a little waterfall that comes out of the side of the hill. Don’t miss that. You can also go to the water from the bluff, use caution. There is No Swimming allowed at this area, and is dangerous to do so. You can stand at the foot of the Twin Falls and get amazing photos.

Twin Falls: Unique 80-Foot Waterfall Emerging from Cave at Rock Island State Park

Discover the remarkable Twin Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that dramatically pours out from the side of a limestone cliff rather than cascading over the top. Located on the White County side of Rock Island State Park, this man-made wonder was accidentally created when the Great Falls Dam backed up the Collins and Caney Fork Rivers in 1925, causing water to seep through underground limestone passages and emerge as this spectacular cascade. It’s one of Tennessee’s most photographed waterfalls and offers both easy viewing and adventurous exploration opportunities. Don’t miss the Great Falls on the way.

Address: End of Powerhouse Road, Rock Island, TN 38581 (literally the end of that road)

Waterfall Details:

• Height: 80 feet
• Type: Plunge waterfall emerging from cave/cliff face
• Origin: Man-made byproduct of dam construction (not natural)
• Swimming: Strictly prohibited – extremely dangerous currents
• Water Flow: Year-round consistent flow
• Best Viewing: From overlook parking area or along Downstream Trail

How to Get There:

Twin Falls is located on the White County side of Rock Island State Park, separate from the main park entrance and visitor center. You’ll need to make a loop around to Powerhouse Road, a small gravel road that leads directly to the waterfall overlook. The drive takes you through scenic farmland on winding roads before reaching the parking area.

Parking: There are two parking lots at the end of Powerhouse Road:

• Larger Parking Lot: First lot you’ll encounter; use this for extended hiking
• Small Overlook Lot: Just past the main lot with 3-5 spaces; three spots are 15-minute parking only for quick waterfall viewing

Viewing Options:

Twin Falls Overlook (Easiest):

• Distance: Visible from parking lot
• Difficulty: Easy; no hiking required
• Features: Immediate dramatic views of waterfall emerging from cliff

Downstream Trail (Scenic Route):

• Distance: Short walk from parking area
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Hiking Time: 30-60 minutes for exploration
• Features: Beautiful path along rock bluff with multiple viewpoints

What to Expect:

The overlook at the parking lot provides immediate access to stunning views of Twin Falls. For a more immersive experience, descend the stairs from the overlook and turn right to follow a beautiful path that winds along the rock bluff face. This scenic route offers multiple perspectives of the waterfall and surrounding gorge.

Along the trail, you’ll discover a small rock house (natural rock shelter) with a charming little waterfall that emerges from the hillside—don’t miss this hidden gem! The trail features smooth walking surfaces through a lush forest environment with spring wildflowers and impressive rock formations.

Getting to the Water:

You can access the water’s edge from the bluff trail, but use extreme caution when descending. Look for the large red warning signs along the trail—these mark access points to approach the river. While the signs may seem to prohibit river access, there is a marked trail that allows you to get close to the water for photography.

Once at the foot of Twin Falls, you can stand on the large rocks and capture amazing photographs of this powerful waterfall. The roar of the water and the magnitude of the cascade can only be truly appreciated when experienced in person. The lunar-like rock landscape near the falls creates a dramatic backdrop for photos.

CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION:

NO SWIMMING ALLOWED – THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

Swimming or wading in the area around Twin Falls or anywhere downstream from the TVA Powerhouse is strictly prohibited and exceptionally dangerous. Here’s why:

• Swift, powerful currents created by the waterfall
• Rapidly rising water levels without warning due to dam releases
• Water may rise hour-to-hour based on TVA operations
• Warning sirens may sound—leave gorge immediately if you hear them

Before visiting, check the TVA website for Great Falls Dam water release schedules. Water discharge can change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour.

Natural Features & History:

Twin Falls is a fascinating example of human engineering accidentally creating natural beauty. When the Great Falls Dam was constructed in 1925, it raised the water levels of both the Collins River and Caney Fork River. These two rivers run parallel, separated by only 1,000 feet at this location. The backed-up water found its way through natural limestone passages in the rock, eventually emerging as Twin Falls—shooting out from the cliff face about 80 feet above the river and 40 feet below the top of the gorge.

The surrounding area showcases abundant spring wildflowers, native Tennessee trees, and diverse wildlife including salamanders along the creek beds.

Additional Trail Exploration:

If you continue hiking downstream beyond Twin Falls, you’ll discover:

• Little Falls (75 feet) – smaller waterfall at trail’s end
• Blue Hole – popular kayak launch area
• Multiple unnamed cascades and seeps
• Spring wildflower displays
• Various rock formations