by M L Ross

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Tennessee Destinations

Old Stone Fort State Park

Just off I-24 in Manchester, TN, you can find Old Stone Fort State Park, a wonderful place for an afternoon hike, quiet retreat by a beautiful river and waterfall, and a historical mystery to keep you searching for more.

If you're first association with a fort and Tennessee brings to mind a Civil War outpost, think again. Stone fortifications at Old Stone Fort Park were thought to have been used during the Civil War but its origins go much further back. Up until about 1966, the area was considered an early development by explorers from Spain or even as far back as Norse explorers. Excavations at that time however, proved that the area was a sacred construction by ancient Native American people, although the exact purpose has not yet identified.

The Fort itself is not the traditional four walled stone building you would anticipate. Instead, it is an earthen fortification built up around stones that cover the high ground between forks in the Duck River as it comes down the plateau off the Highland Rim. The main area of the park is the promontory between the two forks of the river. The shape of this feature is enhanced by the mounds that were built sometime in the Woodland prehistoric period. The builders of these mounds also constructed two parallel walls at the tip of the promontory that are within one degree of the sunrise at the summer solstice.

Getting There

The Park is an easy side trip off I-24. At Exit 110, take State Highway 53 West to US Route 41, then head north. The entrance to the park is less than a mile on the left.

What's In the Park

The park entrance has an educational museum that contains much information about Native American cultures indigenous to the area as well as information on the construction of the enclosure that is known as the fort. Pay close attention to the discussion of the Indian Mounds in the museum as that is one of the mysteries surrounding the original builders of the forts.

After leaving the entrance, you can follow the trail around the fifty acre hill-top site. Spectacular views of the river, cliffs, and waterfalls are easily visible along the one and one quarter mile trail. The trail circles the ceremonial mounds and returns to the entrance at the museum.

Camping

If you're interested in spending a few nights, there are campsites available with water and electrical hookups that can be rented for up to two weeks. Renovation is being done this year so the campsites won't be available until March 27, 2009.

Other Activities

The park has fishing available along both branches of the Duck River. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required and with that you can expect to catch bream, crappie, large mouth bass and catfish.

Within two miles of the park is a 9 hole golf course set along the Duck River. There is a year round pro shop with carts and clubs available for rent.

In addition to the main trail in the park, there are an additional two miles of maintained hiking trails available.

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