Nestled Between Two Tennessee Rivers: A Scenic State Park Filled with Wildflowers and Waterfalls

Published
Nestled Between Two Tennessee Rivers: A Scenic State Park Filled with Wildflowers and Waterfalls

It’s not often that you get to pair stunning nature with prehistoric sightseeing. But at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, you can do exactly that. Situated between the Duck and Little Duck rivers, this state park is home to a prehistoric stone enclosure dating back to a jaw-dropping 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. Located in the artsy, progressive Tennessee town of Manchester, this scenic park is full of quiet trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and fascinating history.



If you’re looking to add one more stop on your tour of Tennessee’s best state parks, the 782-acre Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park needs to be on your radar. “The experience was both fascinating and informative,” said one Tripadvisor reviewer. “I enjoyed walking over land where an established society had settled and created community over 2,000 years ago.” 

Open year-round, from 8 a.m. until sunset, admission to the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is free. That said, you might want to think about bringing some proper hiking shoes. Although the hikes aren’t necessarily difficult, past visitors say that the rocks can be slippery and the exposed tree roots might make navigation a little challenging.



A stunning Tennessee nature destination

Blue Hole Falls in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Home to a number of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, the Old Stone Fort offers plenty of gorgeous nature. One of its natural highlights is undoubtedly its waterfalls. The convergence of its two rivers, Duck and Little Duck, forms incredible gorges and picturesque steps that can be seen from within the park. For some of the park’s best waterfall views, check out the 1.4-mile Enclosure Trail, which follows around the fort’s perimeter. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a peek at the cascading Step Falls, Blue Hole Falls, and the 30-foot-high Big Falls.

If you decide to visit during the springtime, you’re in luck. Considering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is widely referred to as the “Wildflower National Park,” it’s no surprise that the Old Stone Fort (about three hours away) is a great spot to see them too. When hiking around the stone enclosure’s trails, be on the lookout for everything from Virginia bluebells to yellow trout lily, sharp-lobed hepatica, and more. The park even hosts guided wildflower hikes, along with hikes around the ancient enclosure, new moon kayak trips, and more.

See also  How to Turn Hand Sanitizer into a Fire Starter for Camping in Cold Weather


The Old Stone Fort is perfect for history lovers

Stone ruins in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.