Burgess Falls State Natural Area
4000 Burgess Falls Drive
Sparta, TN 38583-8456
931-432-5312
Burgess Falls State Natural Area, located in Middle Tennessee, lies on the eastern edge of Tennessee's Highland Rim adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau. This is characterized by sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water, and abundant mixed forest. The Falling Water River runs through the area, providing breathtaking scenery and numerous waterfalls.

Burgess Falls Natural Area is a sanctuary. All areas, features, including plants and animals (living and dead), rocks, minerals, and artifacts are protected by state law. Violators are subject to prosecution. Fires are allowed only in grills. Trails are moderately rugged. Stay on the trails and watch your step. Help us keep the park neat and natural.
 

 
Rock Island State Park
82 Beach Road  Rock Island, TN 38581-4200
931-686-2471   For Cabin Reservations: 800-713-6065

Rock Island State Park is located between Sparta and McMinnville, Tennessee, just off US 70S. It has 50 campsites with electricity and water, 2 bath houses and is open year round. There is a natural sand swimming beach on Center Hill Lake, an archery range, a general store, a hiking trail that includes a beautiful overlook over Great Falls
Old Stone Fort State
Archaeological Park
732 Stone Fort Drive   Manchester, TN 37855
931-723-5073

The Old Stone Fort is a 2000-year old American Indian ceremonial site. It consists of mounds and walls which combine with cliffs and rivers to form an enclosure measuring 1-1/4 miles around. The 50-acre enclosure seem to have served as a central ceremonial gathering place for some 500 years.

This State Archaeological Park is dedicated to the preservation, protection, study and interpretation

to the public of this significant survival of ancient culture. The park offers educational and entertaining programs which increase understanding of the Old Stone Fort, archaeology, and Native American cultures.
The Visitor Center and exhibit hall complex includes exhibits relating to the history, archaeology, and legends surrounding the Old Stone Fort and its builders.

 
South Cumberland Recreation Area
Route 1, Box 2196   Monteagle, TN 37356
Office: 931-924-2980
Stone Door: 931-692-3887   Savage Gulf: 931-779-3532
South Cumberland is one of the newer Tennessee State Parks. Almost all of the park lies atop the Cumberland Plateau and, unlike most state parks, it is made up of ten different areas located in four different counties. The Visitor Center is located between Monteagle and Tracy City on Highway 41. From here the various components of the park are managed. Visitors can also obtain information and directions from the visitor center.
A monthly schedule of free public programs and

guided hikes are provided by park staff and volunteers. A copy of the schedule can be obtained at the Visitor Center. Anyone interested in helping maintain the trail system or other volunteer activity with the park is encouraged to contact the park office. 

 
Tims Ford State Park
570 Tims Ford Drive   Winchester, TN 37390-4136
931-962-1183   cabin reservations: 800-471-5295
Tims Ford State Park, located on the Tims Ford Reservoir in the rolling hills of southern middle Tennessee, is an outstanding recreational area and fishing paradise. Long before the construction of Tims Ford Dam on the headwaters of the Elk River, the area was used extensively by the Indians as a hunting and fishing territory. Archaeological excavations uncovered numerous artifacts and occupational sites, indicating that man had occupied the area as much as 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

The 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake is one of the most picturesque in Tennessee and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast.