Rock Island State Park

Found on the headwaters of Central Hill Lake, Rock Island State Park is unique in that it sits at the meeting place of three rivers, the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky. The park features several beautiful overlooks, camping opportunities, and robust fishing seasons among its many offerings.

If hiking is your goal, Rock Island State Park offers nine distinct trails to choose from. These trails traverse beautiful limestone gorges, two dams, several waterfalls, and the occasional seasonal wildflower bloom. To get onto this portion of the Caney Fork Gorge, you'll have to start at either the Old Mill Trail or Upstream Trail and follow them north. 

Once you're in the gorge, there are several opportunities to fish, swim, and explore the many coves that dot the shore. Speaking of swimming, Rock Island State Park's Caney Fork Gorge features the Center Hill Lake. Its natural sand beaches are perfect for a bit of sunbathing, and once you warm up the water's an ideal place to cool off! 

These beaches are unsupervised, so you'll be swimming at your own risk. Included here is a beachside bathhouse complete with showers and public restroom facilities. If you're considering bringing your canine along for a beach adventure, make sure you keep them on an eight-foot leash or shorter during your stay.

Recreational boating can be found on either the Caney Fork or Collins Rivers, as well as on Center Hill Lake. Rock Island State Park is well known for its whitewater rafting, having predominately level III class rapids, which means only experienced rafters should attempt it. 

Motorboats can only occupy Center Hill Lake. Sorry speedboat fans, but gas engines are barred from hitting the waves here. Make sure your kayak, canoe, or powered vessel has up to date registration displayed before you get into the water. Dogs aren't allowed by the rapids, as they're a bit of a hazard.