Old Stone Fort State Park is a historic site and state park located in Coffee County, Tennessee, near the town of Manchester. The park encompasses an ancient Native American ceremonial site known as the Old Stone Fort, which was constructed during the Middle Woodland period, approximately 1,500-2,000 years ago. The Old Stone Fort State Park offers a variety of hiking trails that provide visitors with opportunities to explore the ancient enclosure and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Duck River runs through the park, flowing over a limestone-rich shelf of the western Cumberland Plateau, known as the Highland Rim. As the Duck and Little Duck Rivers approach their convergence, they descend rapidly, carving deep gorges around the peninsula where the ancient structure is located. These gorges are highlighted by a series of significant waterfalls and whitewater rapids.
Old Stone Fort State Park
One of the Old Stone Fort State Park’s main trails follows the perimeter of the ancient enclosure, offering views of the stone walls, river, waterfalls and scenic overlooks. It took us around 90 minutes to hike the entire loop and this was after we had spent the morning waterfall chasing in the Short Springs State Natural Area. The park is also popular for picnicking, bird watching, and photography as well as family events like historical reenactments, archaeology days, and nature walks. In addition to the falls you’ll find beautiful trees and open roots, cliff faces, scalable rock walls and even a large field.
To keep things simple, we chose to hike on the Enclosure Trail that hugs the Duck River, as well as the Little Duck River, and produces the best waterfalls.
Old Stone Fort Museum
The Old Stone Fort Museum at Old Stone Fort State Park is located just after the public parking lot. It offers a comprehensive view of the site’s history, focusing on the ancient Native American structure built during the Middle Woodland period (80-550 AD). The museum features exhibits with artifacts such as pottery, tools, and ceremonial items, providing insights into the lives of the people who built and used the fort. Additionally, it showcases educational displays about the Middle Woodland period and the broader context of Native American history in the region . . . plus a cool diorama of the park.
The Man-Made Dam
From the roof of the museum you get a cool view of the Duck River as well as the man-made dam. The dam was built in the 19th century and was part of the area’s industrial efforts, designed to harness the Duck River’s power for milling operations. It created a millpond that ensured a steady water supply for gristmills and sawmills. The area around the dam experienced significant industrial activity during the 1800s, with the mills playing a crucial role in the local economy by processing agricultural products and lumber. These mills were essential to the community, providing necessary services and products for daily life and economic growth. Guided tours and educational programs are offered about the dam, providing insights into 19th-century industrial practices.
Blue Hole Falls
Just a few minutes along the south shore are the Blue Hole Falls. The falls feature clear, blue water cascading over rock formations, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting. The surrounding lush vegetation enhances the scenic beauty and provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. What begins as a layered cascade soon plunges downward reminiscent of certain sections of Idaho’s Shoshone Falls. There is also a series of plunges near the shore that only enhance the tranquility of this section of the Old Stone Fort State Park. Many visitors enjoy picnicking near the falls and wading in the shallow pools below the cascades. The area around the falls is perfect for nature observation, including bird watching and exploring the local flora.
Stone Fort Paper Co. Ruins
Further along the Enclosure Trail are the remains of the Stone Fort Paper Company. Established in the late 19th century, this industrial facility played a significant role in the local economy by harnessing the water power of the Duck River. The company utilized the existing dam and waterworks originally built for milling operations to power its paper production processes. The mill produced various types of paper products, employing local residents and utilizing the natural resources of the area. While there isn’t much left of the ruins, its historical significance remains an integral part of the park’s story. You can explore the remnants of the industrial era alongside the ancient Native American structures, gaining insight into the diverse historical layers of the site.
Little Falls
Back on the main path you continue with a nice view looking down onto the Duck River. Eventually you’ll see wooden steps that descend nearer the water’s edge. Through a large pile of fallen trees you get your first glance at Old Stone Fort State Park’s Little Falls. The falls sweeps across the entire mouth of the river with a small cascade at the far north end where the water flow is strongest. Along the shore the river continues about 20 yards till it spills out over two massive boulders, shaped into a U by centuries of water forced into its center.
Big Falls
As you continue along a calm stretch of the Duck River you’ll first hear, and then see, Big Falls. These falls produce a 30 foot drop that splash dramatically off of multiple smooth rock formations located at the base of the river. Those rocks cause the lower sections of the falls to take on a variety of different shapes and directions until it opens up into a large white water flow along the south shoreline. The Big Falls are the largest at the Old Stone Fort State Park in Tennessee but not the most interesting . . .
Step Falls
Many feel Old Stone Fort State Park’s Step Falls are the most interesting falls in the park. There are several cascading steps over an extended stretch of the river similar to Stairway Falls in Gorges State Park in North Carolina. The water flows over multiple rock ledges, creating a stepped or stairway appearance. The stepped formation of the falls is due to the layering of sedimentary rock, which has been shaped by the flowing water over time. This natural feature offers a fascinating look at the geological processes that have shaped the landscape of the region.
Old Stone Fort State Park is not only a place of historical importance but also a beautiful natural area that offers a variety of activities for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers. It’s definitely a must for any waterfall chasing itinerary or nature hike when visiting the Volunteer State.
Do you have a favorite place to visit in Tennessee?
Cummins Falls is huge with a giant swimming area. Short walking distance but you will need to rock-hop.Located near Livingston and Cookeville, TN