Old Stone Fort State Park Tennessee

No one knows why the mounds at Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park were built, but they’re stood for 1500-2000 years. Native Americans created the mounds during the Middle Woodland Period, used the area for around 500 years, then abandoned it. Later, European settlers, unsure of its origins and the purpose of the mounds, called it a “fort.” Today, the park, located in Manchester, Tennessee, is known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, camping, fishing, and migratory bird watching in spring and fall.

Old Stone Fort State Park

Before exploring the trails, stop by the Visitor’s Center. The kids will love it because it’s underground! Designed like a dug-out home, once you’re finished exploring, you can walk across the stone rooftop and take in views of the river. Inside the visitor’s center, there are a few exhibits explaining the history of the area and a list of available programs for the day.

We spent time with Sydney, the park ranger, who explained how Native Americans preserved their history through mud painting. She and Critter gathered and strained dirt, then mixed it with mica to form different colors of paint. Later, she allowed Critter to pet “Oginalli,” the park’s pet corn snake. “His name is the Cherokee word for friend,” she said. “He loves to be petted.”

Hiking Trails

When you’re ready for hiking, there’s 7 trails to discover, all of which are 2 miles or less. The terrain on all the trails ranges from easy or moderate. For a glance into the past, take the 1.3-mile Old Stone Fort Enclosure Trail. The trail begins at the Eastern Entrance to the “fort,” which was probably used for ceremonial purposes, and was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice.

You’ll wind through the mounds-which range 4 to 6 feet in height- and are made of stacked rocks and dirt. Although mounds surround the site on 3 sides, there are some open areas in the wall. While most are believed to be left open because of the natural protection of the cliffs and the Duck River, there’s one break that is man-made for the stage coach to pass through in the 1800s. Twelve interpretive panels are scattered throughout the trail to describe the fort and explain the history.

As you continue around the trail, you can see the remains of an old paper mill, along with stunning views of 3 waterfalls. It’s marked as easy to moderate. You’ll need to watch for tree roots growing in the path.

The easy quarter-mile Forks of the River Trail takes you to the point where the Little Duck River and Big Duck River converge. The spot is a peaceful area that’s perfect for wading or taking a dip in the river.
Just want to enjoy an easy scenic hike through the woods? Try the .85-mile Nature Trail.

Old Stone Fort State Park Forks of the River Trail

My favorite trail is the Moat Trail-a .45 mile walk through an abandoned river channel, the “moat,” now a dried-up crevice, to the Duck River. There’s plenty of rocks beckoning visitors to “sit a spell.” The water is shallow and is a fun place for the kids to play.

If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, try the 1.5 Duck River Trail (or “Backbone Trail”) that leads off the main trail to Backbone Ridge, or the Garrison Road Trail, once a road on the Nickajack Trace.

Camping

Old Stone Fort State Park has 51 campsites for RVs and Tents. The areas are wooded and there’s plenty of space between sites for privacy.

Fishing & Bird Watching

You can find catfish, bass, and bream in the rivers and plenty of secluded spots to fish. Bird watchers can sit on one of the benches located at the beginning of the Enclosure Trail to see nesting birds in the spring or bring binoculars to observe migratory birds in the fall.

What To Know Before You Go

When planning your trip, be aware the park closes at sunset. Depending on the time of year you visit, this could limit the exploration time available. The Visitors Center is open daily from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
Old Stone Fort State Park, like all Tennessee State Parks, offers free admission.
At the present time, masks are required in the visitor’s center/museum area due to COVID-19.
Wear sturdy shoes when hiking as the trails have roots and other obstacles. If it has been raining or is muddy, the trail will be slick. Be sure to take precautions near the cliff areas.
The park is located at 732 Stone Fort Drive, Manchester, Tennessee, about an hour from either Chattanooga or Nashville.
Bring plenty of water to carry while hiking in the summer. Temperatures can reach the high 90s.

Check Out The New Parks App

The Tennessee State Park System and the Tennessee Department of Health have partnered to create the new free Healthy Parks, Healthy Person App. Download the app and check in whenever you visit a state park. You can earn points for activities like hiking, biking, walking, swimming, and more. Points earn rewards like free guided hikes with a park ranger, free t-shirts, and free cabin stays. If you’re planning to go to the park anyway, why not earn rewards?