1. Rock Island State Park
Rock Island is a popular state park located at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, 14 miles north of McMinnville in central Tennessee. Caney Fork Gorge below Great Falls Dam has breathtaking scenic overlooks. Points of interest include 30-foot Great Falls, Twin Falls, and the Blue Hole. Below the falls is a textile mill from the 19th century that was once powered by the waterfall.
2. Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park is popular because there are so many things to see and do in this scenic 1,720-acre park. It’s located at 2000-foot elevation in the Cumberland Plateau. Start with an easy walk on the mile-long loop trail around Byrd Lake. The park has 14 miles of hiking trails and four miles of biking trails. Enjoy 55-acre Byrd Lake in your own boat or one that you rent from the park–kayaks and rowboats are available. Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout.
