Mr. Handsome and I love to hike, especially since moving to Tennessee and having access to so many beautiful trails. It really is incredible just how many state parks there are in the area surrounding Nashville. Our favorite hikes are ones that lead to waterfalls, of which Tennessee has quite a few. We recently made the trek to Rock Island State Park.
Ellie and Mr. Handsome at Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, TN
There were multiple waterfalls, some that required hiking and others that did not.
We also love history and were thrilled to come across this old building, which housed the Falls City Cotton Mill from 1892-1902.
Just up the hill from the mill is a cute little castle-like structure, appropriately called the Spring Castle, where workers would store food to keep it cold.
Much to our amazement, we watched three individuals ride down one of the falls on kayaks. You could never convince me to do that (especially since it was only 60 degrees that day) but it sure made for great entertainment! Check out the photos and video below.
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Great pictures and video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Ellie
Wow, only sixty degrees. I wish it was that cool here sometimes:-) It sounds like a fun hike. Thank you for sharing.
Lol. Where do you live? We have had a cool spring, but the temperature made a big jump last week. Now it's in the high 80s. :O
Ellie
I live in Hawaii.
Lucky duck! What's it like to live in paradise? 🙂
Ellie
I love the pictures.
Their is a Rock Island State park in Rock Island Illinois. Not to far from were I live.
Hi Miley,
That's a fun coincidence. What is the Rock Island State Park in IL like?
Ellie
I have't been their since I was in grade school that's like 35 years ago. I don't drive and its hard for me to go places.
Thanks for sharing.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Sure thing!
Ellie
Do you get wood ticks there? I love to walk in the trails in the woods and have been going everyday for awhile. But the wood ticks are numerous and I sped so much time after I am out picking them off! Thank you for sharing. You have a sweet husband to make this a fun time for certain! I just walk a dog!
We do have American dog ticks (another name for wood ticks) in TN, but they haven't ever been an issue for us. Must only be in certain areas. That's too bad that the trails near you have so many of them. What region do you live in?
Ellie
Great pictures!! It is wonderful that you and Mr Handsome take advantage of God's beautiful creation near where you live. I love waterfalls I would so enjoy having one close enough to visit.
Thanks, Shela. It really is great to get out into God's creation. Helps with stress levels. 🙂
Ellie
We just moved to Tennessee a couple of years ago. We have been to Rock Island State Park twice now. It is a beautiful place!!! We absolutely loved all the waterfalls.
Very neat! What other TN state parks/outdoor attractions do you enjoy?
Ellie
We haven't had a chance to visit any of the other state parks yet, but we are going to try to go to some this summer. We did visit the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, TN a few months ago, and it was really neat! We have also been to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg a few times. The mountains are so beautiful!
We went to Lost Sea last summer. Loved it! Would like to spend more time in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area/Smokey Mountains. If you are looking for more things to see, there are about a dozen big waterfalls throughout the state. You can find a list on Google. We have been to a few, and they are well worth it. Cummins and Fall Creek Falls are two of the best.
Ellie
Just plain beautiful!