Most folks don’t know about the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Tennessee, located right along the Little Duck River. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the east and the ever-famous Fall Creek Falls and Burgess Falls to visit, this oft-forgotten hidden gem tends to be one of the least trafficked state parks in the state. If you’re looking to break the monotony of the day-to-day while chasing waterfalls in Tennessee, then this beautiful natural hot spot is well worth your while. Plus, if you’re looking to bask in some incredible, accessible beauty in the Volunteer State, this one is just a quick drive. Learn all about it below!

The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is located in the lush land surrounding Manchester, Tennessee, along the famed little Duck River. You'll most often hear it called Old Stone Fort State Park.
Dana Bryant - GoogleMaps
The park itself is known for its deep history and natural beauty that's easily explored by way of hiking and birding.
The park has RV sites available for folks looking to stay overnight, but a busy event schedule and activities like hiking, fishing, and birding make it easy to make a day trip out of it as well. The Duck River is full of largemouth bass, catfish, and bream, so you can choose to fish either from a boat or the banks.
Amy Dawn Whitlock - GoogleMaps
Old Stone Fort is named for a structure built by local Native Americans in the Middle Woodland Period, roughly 2,000 years ago. The area was utilized for 500 years before it was eventually left to the elements.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
When the remains of the settlement were discovered by European settlers, they misconstrued the structure as a "fort" and the area has now become known as the Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park.

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Of course, if chasing waterfalls is your prerogative then there's really no place better to wander than the lush backwoods of the state park. The hiking trails meander through the woods and along the waterfront, revealing roughly ten waterfalls along the way during peak season.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park - GoogleMaps
The waterfalls at Old Stone Fort aren't the tallest in the state, but when it comes to easy nature getaways in Tennessee, you can get some pretty beautiful "bang for your (adventure) buck" here!
You'll have to keep your eyes peeled, of course! The most famous falls along the Duck River include Bluehole Falls and Big Falls, both of which gush 30 feet to the waters below.
Flo Flosser - GoogleMaps
Other smaller falls are tucked behind foliage and around unexpected corners.
Old Stone Fort is a Coffee County must-visit and is typically open daily year-round to adventurers.
Megan Morris - Flickr
Typical park hours are approximately two hours after sunrise to sunset, but be sure to keep an eye on the Old Stone Fort website for the latest hours.
Once you've hiked through these hills, along the rugged waterways, and discovered the nearly TEN waterfalls hidden within the park itself, you'll want to come back and visit time and time again and in every season!
Jack Chapman/GoogleMaps

So, what are your thoughts on this beautiful destination? Have you ever visited Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park? If not, we’d highly recommend adding this hidden gem to your bucket list! And the next time you’re looking for waterfalls in Tennessee, we hope this spot comes to mind!

You can learn more about Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park with a visit to its official website.

Looking for even more family-friendly natural beauty? Check out our list of some of the best state parks in Tennessee – there’s something for everyone on the list! Or, continue to experience all the natural fun and excitement in Tennessee with a cave tour at Cumberland Caverns! It’s a true Tennessee adventure that belongs on your bucket list. 

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Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park & Related Info

Beth C. | August 11, 2022

Does Tennessee have any hidden waterfalls?

One relatively little-known waterfall in Tennessee is called Conasauga Falls. This secret waterfall in Tennessee can be accessed via a scenic 1.3-mile out-and-back trail. When you take this hike in the heart of Tennessee, you'll certainly want to bring your camera with you!

What are some hidden gems in Tennessee?

If you consider yourself to be an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find that exploring Tennessee is nothing short of heavenly. Tennessee has so many natural wonders that you could easily dedicate an entire lifetime to uncovering them all. In addition to mystical waterfalls, gorgeous caves, and meandering trails, the Volunteer State is home to lots of hidden gems. One of our favorite hidden gem destinations is one that sounds like it's straight out of a fairytale: the Lost Sea. It's the largest underwater lake in the entire U.S., and you can explore it when you visit the Craighead Caverns system.

Next up on our list of recommendations would be a trip to the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton. The museum was founded in 1969 and it pays homage to pioneer and farming life in Tennessee. Looking for some fun shopping? You'll want to plan a trip to Market Square in Knoxville. It's here you can browse some one-of-a-kind handmade goods all while learning more about the area's unique culture and history. Finally, a trip to Jack Daniel's Distillery is bound to impress, whether you're a fan of whiskey or not.

Some other fun places in Tennessee to explore include:

  • Big South Fork National Park
  • Bell Buckle, Bald River Falls
  • Peabody Hotel

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Featured Addresses
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, 732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester, TN 37355, USA