If you haven’t heard of Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park in Nashville, I hate to tell you, but you’re missing out on a hidden gem!
This state park is one of the best area for hikes with waterfalls in Tennessee near Nashville that you’ve probably never heard of!
There are multiple trails that pass numerous waterfalls, creating the perfect environment for nature lovers wanting to escape into a serene forest with a water aspect.
However, Old Stone Fort offers even more than scenic trails and cascading falls – it’s a step back into time! This park is home to an ancient Native American ceremonial site with pieces remaining in the woods you’ll explore!
Not only is this history embedded in the landscape, but part of the most biodiverse river in North America also happens to run through the park!
This park offers the perfect mix of culture and adventure as not only will you be able to enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest along the water, but you’re able to learn about the history as you do it!
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Where is Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park?
Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park is located in middle Tennessee in Manchester.
This small town is about an hour from Nashville and Chattanooga, almost three hours from Knoxville, and four hours from Memphis.
Museum and History of Old Stone Fort
It may seem Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was aptly named, but there actually wasn’t a fort here at all!
1,500 to 2,000 years ago, Native Americans built the “fort”, but it is now believed to have been used as a ceremonial gathering site that they used for 500 years before abandoning it.
To present more about the history and what the area used to be, there is a free museum on site that goes over theories of the area and the history, and also showcases replicas of Native American displays, and includes dioramas and photos.
In more recent times, the area was the site for a pulp and paper mill in the 19th century.
If you’re interested in more of the history, you can learn more here.
What Trail Takes You Past Multiple Waterfalls?
There are multiple trails at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park that will take you near waterfalls in Tennessee near Nashville. The one I did that passed four waterfalls was the 1.5 mile Enclosure Wall Trail. The falls you’ll pass are Step Falls, Big Falls, Blue Hole Falls, and the dam that creates its own waterfall!
Well, I started the 2.8 mile Enclosure, Moat, and Backbone Loop Trail, but the way I cut it short ended up basically being the equivalent of the Enclosure Wall Trail. If you do this whole trail, though, it’ll take you by the same falls.
Like I said, this hike passed four “official” waterfalls! However, I went the day after a massive storm, so the river was flowing so intensely there were a few spots that seemed like mini falls, too!
If you want to hike to the same falls while adding a little bit extra mileage, you can hike the Enclosure, Forks of the River, and Backbone Loop.
The Old Stone Fort Nature Trail won’t take you past the waterfalls in Tennessee near Nashville that I’ll describe that I did on the Enclosure Trail, but it will take you by some other beautiful ones!
There are plenty of other trails in the park that will take you through the woods and along the river, but these are the trails to do if you’re focused on finding some waterfalls.
Trail Description
While there are tons of trails in the area, if you’re going to see all four epic waterfalls, you’re going to to do at least the majority of the Enclosure Wall Trail anyways, so that’s the one these are the details on!
- Distance: 1.5 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 183 Feet
The Enclosure Wall Trail at Old Stone Fort takes you along the perimeter of the site that was built by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. There are 12 signs along your hike telling you a bit more about the history and the area.
The trailhead is pretty easy to find, it’s right past the museum and you have an option to go left or right. But, before you make this decision, check out the view of the dam from the viewing platform on top of the museum!
When we came to this crossroads, we opted to go left since we saw less people this way. The beginning of the trail is a bit unique as there’s a massive field sprawled out in front of you, and then the forest runs along the perimeter.
If you go left as we did, you’ll start your hike with a nice easy walk through the forest, and it won’t be long until Step Falls comes into view! After a short but relatively steep descent, you’ll be face to face with it.
Of course, use caution, but you can get pretty close to it! I braved jumping to a rock right next to it, and it was incredible. I’ve never seen a waterfall roaring with so much water. The terrain around it is fun to explore too, lots of rocks and teeny cliffs!
It’ll be a while until you reach your next waterfall, but practically the whole time you’ll be following right along the Little Duck River. There’s a bit of an ascent where you walk right next to a cliff face, but the views from above the river are awesome!
The next falls you’ll see is Big Falls, and it deserves the name! So much power behind the falls. Nature almost gave it its own little viewing platform for this waterfall in Tennessee near Nashville, there’s a rock area right next to the falls with great views of it.
Not only is the waterfall incredible, but you get great views of the river, and there’s a bit of a mini falls to the left of the unofficial platform if you’re looking towards the river. There’s also so many mossy rocks around this area that make it feel magical!
It won’t be long until you hit the next falls. During your walk there, you’ll pass some more remnants of the “fort” and mill.
Next up on the waterfalls in Tennessee near Nashville on this hike is Blue Hole Falls! While I think this was the least impressive of the falls (which is still incredibly beautiful), this is the one we spent the most time hanging around.
I can’t speak if it’s like this when there isn’t a torrential down pour the day before, but there were small pools forming around it that my dog enjoyed splashing around in.
So, these are the three technical waterfalls on this hike, they’re the only ones named. But the Old Stone Fort dam puts on a show, and definitely deserved the title of a waterfall!
You can actually get pretty close to the base of it if you venture a bit to the side and go down the slightly steep path, and there’s a rock that puts you right there.
This whole trail is so stunning. Of course, the waterfalls are the highlight, but even when you’re just walking by the river or through the woods and mossy rocks passing history you can’t even imagine, it’s an overall amazing hike.
How Hard is the Enclosure Wall Trail?
I found the hike to match the AllTrails difficulty description, it was pretty easy, with minimum elevation gain and pretty well maintained trails. The only big difficulty I went right after rain was that it was fairly muddy which made it a bit challenging at times.
Like any trail, there are tricky parts where there are a few rocks or roots sticking out, but this wasn’t common. There are also a few cliff areas, but not too scary in my opinion!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The wettest time of the year in Tennessee is typically Winter and Spring, which means you’ll be more likely to see an active waterfall.
I went during mid-March, and I’ve never seen a waterfall flow so heavily before. If it’s safe to go after a heavy rainfall, you’re practically guaranteed to see a good flow!
Other Things to Know Before You Go
Is Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park Dog Friendly?
Yes and no. I brought my dog, Rocky, with me while hiking these waterfalls in Tennessee near Nashville at Old Stone Fort. Dogs are welcome on many of the trails around the park.
However, dogs are not allowed in the museum and other buildings in the park.
Are there any Fees to Enter Old Stone Fort State Archelogical Park?
Admission to the park and the museum is free!
What is Parking Like at Old Stone Fort State Archelogical Park?
There is a decent amount of parking at the park. The main section of parking is in front of the museum along the road, but there are also more spots available at the picnic area.
What Amenities are Available at Old Stone Fort State Archelogical Park?
In addition to the museum, there is a visitor’s center which includes a gift shop, restrooms, and the park office.
Can You Camp At Old Stone Fort State Archelogical Park?
Yes! There are 50 campsites available at the park for either a tent or a RV. There are two restroom facilities at the campground. You can find more information about camping here.
What to wear and bring?
I think wearing hiking boots with ankle supports is a good idea for most hikes, and this one is no exception. What you wear will depend on when you go, but I started out the hike cold (in March), but was warm only a few minutes in.
Bring water and snacks! I didn’t finish the hike I originally planned on doing because I got hangry…
Leave No Trace
There are seven principles of Leave No Trace you should be sure to follow on any hike to respect our lands, wildlife, and other hikers.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Want To Explore More Waterfalls?
There are an abundance of waterfalls to explore around Tennessee. Check out one of my posts below to explore more.
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