Hiking Trails
The park has nine hiking trails with the Caney Fork Gorge area located below the
dam being a very popular area for rock hopping, swimming and fishing. This
beautiful limestone gorge runs between the Great Falls Dam and the Twin Falls.
The area is populated with Great Blue Herons, wildflowers and waterfalls. The
Caney Fork Gorge may be accessed via the Old Mill Trail or the Upstream Trail.
Collins River Nature Trail:
A three mile loop along the outer edge of the
Collin's River peninsula. The trail winds beside the riverbank and gives the
hiker a chance to view white-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, Christmas ferns
and a wide variety of wildflowers.
Eagle Trail:
This 1 1/2 mile trail runs from the Blue Hole picnic area to
the Badger Flatt picnic area down by the park's natural sand beach on Center
Hill Lake. This trail is naturally stocked with an abundant array of wildflowers
and songbirds. Flowers include mountain laurel, pink and white trillium, little
brown jug, bloodroot and yellow violet. Some birds which can be seen include
prothonotary warblers, belted kingfishers and osprey.
Moonshine Trail:
This short half mile trail runs past the base of an old
moonshine still and is teaming with wildlife. Hikers on this trail might get to
see Firepink, Jack-in-the Pulpit, deer and barred owls. This trail begins at the
tennis court parking lot and ends next to campsite 39.
Bluff Trail:
Hikers and bikers are permitted on this wooded, 1.7 mile,
lollipop trail that begins at the tennis court parking area. A short side spur
blazed in blue brings hikers to a bench overlooking Center Hill Lake below.
Hikers may catch a glimpse of a wild turkey, eagle, or coyote on this trail.
These are our five main hiking areas in the park but there are a number of other
places in the park worth exploring. Feel free to contact the park naturalist,
for more information concerning trails.
Downstream Trail:
The Downstream Trail is a 1.6 mile lollipop. It departs
from Twin Falls Overlook and continues along the very steep bluff line bordering
the river. It features views of the Blue Hole below, Twin Falls, Little Falls
and various seeps, as well as many spring wildflowers & rock formations.
Swimming along this portion of the river is very dangerous and not permitted.
Upstream Trail:
The Upstream Trail is 0.5 mile one way. It departs
from Twin Falls Overlook parking area going east (across cable) and it provides
access to the upper gorge area including swimming spots such as the “Ice Hole”
and “Warm Hole”. Swimming is at your own risk in this area.
Blue Hole
Trail:
This extremely steep, wet and rugged 0.5 mile one way trail runs down
a windy slope that extends along a beautiful waterfall seep. It is very
strenuous & has many steep steps. It has been a popular fishing spot since
the settlement of the area. Numerous wildflowers, mosses and ferns can be seen.
Some sections have moving and standing water. (Wetlands are fragile - please
tread lightly.) This section of the river is dangerous and swimming is not
permitted.
Collins River Connector Trail:
A two mile total loop
branching off of and starting from the Collins River trailhead. A modest hike
through hardwood groves taking the hiker to the sites of the very first frontier
settlements and 3 cemeteries. A multi-use trail for hiking, jogging and mountain
bikes. Hikers have the right of way.
Old Mill Trail:
The Old Mill
Trail is 0.5 mile one way. It departs from the Old Mill picnic area and it
provides access to the gorge on the Warren County side. It consists of steep
stairs opening into the gorge below. From the bottom, hikers can rock hop or
swim at their own risk. The trail and parking lot close at sundown. Parking is
limited.
These are the main hiking areas in the park but there are a number of
other places in the park worth exploring. Feel free to contact
the park naturalist, for more information concerning trails.
*Use extreme caution in the gorge*
*Water may rise
rapidly. Monitor your surroundings. Leave the gorge immediately if water begins
to rise or you hear warning sirens. Watch for slick rocks & swift currents.
Do NOT jump into water of unknown depths.
*Swimming or wading is not
allowed in all areas from TVA’s powerhouse downstream all the way down to the
main beach boat ramp including by the “powerhouse”, “Twin Falls” and “Blue Hole”
due to hidden and deadly currents.
Violation of Park Rules (TCA 11-1-108
0400-02-06) may result in Criminal Citations. Please enjoy the park safely!
