Rock Island State Park
A waterfront state park with waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing, and a sandy lake beach — all on the shoreline of Center Hill Lake.
Address: 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, Tennessee
Note: Admission is free. Closings can happen. Call ahead to confirm park and trails are open.
Twin Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Tennessee and easily one of the most accessible waterfalls on Center Hill Lake. Located within Rock Island State Park, this remarkable waterfall draws visitors year-round with its unusual appearance and powerful flow.
Unlike most waterfalls that spill over the edge of a cliff, Twin Falls emerges directly from limestone walls. Water pours from openings in the rock face before plunging approximately 80 feet into the river below, creating a stunning display that feels almost otherworldly. While swimming is not allowed in this area, you can still get up close and personal to this roaring Tennessee waterfall.
How to Get to Twin Falls Waterfall
More Waterfalls: Great Falls and others
Great Falls is another waterfall within this park – a 30-foot horseshoe-shaped cascade that thunders into the Caney Fork Gorge below the remnants of a 19th-century cotton textile mill. It’s easy to spend a day at Rock Island Park on Center Hill Lake. With numerous other hiking and biking trails, a sandy beach area for swimming, picnic areas and overnight accommodations, this is the ultimate Tennessee destination.
Other Things to See and Do at Rock Island State Park
- Hiking. The park has nine hiking trails. This beautiful limestone gorge runs between the Great Falls Dam and the Twin Falls. The other trails are not to be missed. Find other amazing points of interest including Blue Hole Trail and others.
- Picnicking. There are four picnicking areas and four reservable pavillions within Rock Island equipped with tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms. There is even a waterfall running right beside one of the locations.
- Camping. 60 Campsites — RV hookups + primitive tent sites, spread across two campgrounds
- Swimming. Swimming and wading are popular activities at Rock Island. There are multiple areas in the park where swimming is allowed, including a natural sand beach located on the headwaters of the beautiful Center Hill Lake.
- Fishing. The park sits at the confluence of three rivers and on the headwaters of one of Tennessee’s most beloved reservoirs. There’s a launch ramp on Center Hill Lake and additional ramps on both the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers.
- Boating. The launch ramp on Center Hill Lake and other ramps closeby on the Caney Fork and Collilns Rivers offer access.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding. By waterfalls – need we say more? Rock Island is known for it’s whitewater kayaking and has hosted international freestyle kayaking events.
