The weather has been warming up here in Tennessee and all we’ve been able to think about is getting outside to enjoy it. We have been working on seeing all of the state parks here for the last few years. But a few weeks ago, we drove two hours one way to a new park we had not yet visited only to be greatly disappointed and underwhelmed by the park (sorry Mousetail Landing State Park- you were left wanting). So on this perfect day for a park, we opted instead for a visit back to the first state park we visited when we moved here and headed out to Rock Island State Park.
We pulled into the parking lot and gazed down to the water and rocks that make up the most popular area of the park. This park sits at the headwaters of where 4 rivers come together and each area of the park gives a different view of the rivers.
Because it is springtime, the stairs leading to the bottom had water rushing from the rocks over them. It made the stairs very slippery so if you go, be sure to wear water shoes and hold on tight to the rail. But the sound of the water along the tail was really lovely.
It was worth the maneuvering down the stairs though when we reached the bottom and were met with the steel blue water winding through the rocks everywhere. The rocks create great pools for the water in the river. There are also little tide pools within the rocks that sometimes offer the view of little creatures that live there.
We loved exploring over the rocks and behind small waterfalls. The great towering rocks were covered in the lush greens of spring. We must have visited a different area when we first came here because we didn’t remember any of this and were amazed at how beautiful it all was.
We spent hours here climbing around the rocks and putting our feet into the cold water of the river. It made us realize that in our goal of seeing all the parks that we had forgotten this gem of a park that was so close to our house. With the exception of a few remaining parks, we may be sticking closer to home and going back to the parks that we have known and loved.
Before making our way back up the stairs we stopped at the waterfall for one last view of the park before heading for home. Tennessee has some beautiful state parks and we loved getting out and being part of it for a day.
Want some more of the Tennessee State Parks? Then you may be interested in these:
Thanks for coming along on this visit to Rock Island State Park. May you find beauty in the season as sunshine and state parks fill your soul.
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