Just 90 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is home to three wildly underrated waterfalls that have somehow slipped under the radar – Blue Hole Falls, Big Falls, and Step Falls.
These Old Stone Fort waterfalls are glorious, especially during certain times of the year. You won’t want to miss these amazing waterfalls on your next trip to Middle Tennessee!
So how do you get to them? Is the water always flowing? Can you swim underneath them? When’s the best time to go? I’ll answer all those questions and more in this detailed Old Stone Fort waterfalls guide.
Keep reading because I’m sharing exactly how to find the beautiful Old Stone Fort waterfalls, including where to park, what trail they’re on, when to go, and what to expect when on the trail and at the falls. I’ll even share some FAQs, places to stay, and other things to do in the park and surrounding areas!
The Only Old Stone Fort Waterfalls Guide You’ll Need
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About the Old Stone Fort Waterfalls
There are three named waterfalls in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park – Blue Hole Falls, Big Falls, and Step Falls. All three of these waterfalls are accessible via the 1.4-mile Enclosure Trail. Get directions to the trailhead here.
Blue Hole Falls is an endless smattering of shallow pools tumbling down rocky shelves.
Big Falls is a series of two waterfalls: a smaller, curved waterfall that flows into a bigger, more tumultuous, and harder-to-access waterfall.
Step Falls is an interesting series of tiered waterfalls that resemble stair steps.
When to Hike to the Old Stone Fort Waterfalls
The best time of year to hike to the Old Stone Fort waterfalls is winter and spring when the falls are flowing at their heaviest. Since swimming is not safe here, you don’t have to wait for hot weather to visit this incredible park. Plus, with the leaves off the trees, you can see more of the river and waterfalls!
The best time of day to hike to the Old Stone Fort waterfalls is early in the morning. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds! However, if you go in the winter as we did, you might not have to deal with crowds at all. In this case, you can hike any time of day, and you might not see many other people.
NOTE: The trails are open from 8 AM until sunset.
Know Before You Go
The falls are heavier in the winter, spring, and after rain. To see the waterfalls in their full glory/force, come in the winter or spring, or after a heavy rain. (Pssst: Winter is an extremely underrated time to chase waterfalls in Tennessee).
Swimming at the waterfalls is not safe. Although people say that they’ve swum at the waterfalls, I strongly discourage it, especially during the rainy seasons. When I was there, I witnessed wild currents that just didn’t seem safe for swimming. Since there are numerous safer swimming holes nearby, like Rutledge Falls and Greeter Falls, I’d recommend swimming in those instead.
The trails are closed overnight. You can only visit this park from 8 AM until sunset. Since sunset varies by season, the park and all its trails could close anywhere from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Hiking to the Old Stone Fort Waterfalls
Okay, so where are the waterfalls, how do you get to them, and what can you expect while hiking the trail to each of them?
Blue Hole Falls, Big Falls, and Step Falls are all located in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester, Tennessee, along the Enclosure Trail. Parking and trail access are at the Museum and Visitor Center.
To access them all, you’ll have to hike about 1.4 miles total on the Enclosure Trail. You can also shorten the hike to see just one or two waterfalls, if you’d prefer.
I’ll lay out all your options here:
- Blue Hole Falls only – 0.4 miles (out & back)
- Blue Hole Falls and Big Falls only – 1 mile (out & back)
- Step Falls only – 0.6 miles (out & back)
- Blue Hole Falls, Big Falls, and Step Falls – 1.4 miles (loop)
To get to the Old Stone Fort trailhead, enter Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park via US Highway 41.
Drive on Stone Fort Drive for 0.7 miles, passing the bridge, boat launch, and picnic area access road, until you reach the large lot at the end of the road. This is the parking area for the falls, visitor center, and even a few of the other hiking trails in the park.
Once you’ve parked, walk to the cul-de-sac. Even though you won’t see it yet, the visitor center is just a few steps down from the parking lot.
I’d encourage you to go inside the visitor center to look at the museum exhibits. While you’re in there, use the restroom and ask the on-duty ranger any questions you might have.
To continue on the trail toward the first waterfall, exit the visitor center. AllTrails recommends hiking the trail clockwise, but we decided to hike it counterclockwise because we were eager to see the first waterfall.
So after exiting the visitor center, veer right toward the river. Immediately, there’s an overlook of the man-made dam. I thought this was the first “waterfall,” but it’s not!
Keep hiking on the trail, along the river, for about a tenth of a mile. Blue Hole Falls will then come into view!
Similar to the other falls in the park, this one is comprised of multiple smaller cascades tumbling down rocky shelves. If you look upriver, you’ll see white and brown-tinged cascading curtains of waterfalls as far as the eye can see!
NOTE: There are two paths here, one that’s closer to the river and one that’s higher up and further from the river. We chose the one that’s closer to the river so we could get a front-row view of the waterfall!
Alternate paths were the theme of this trail. Alternate routes were offered in many places along the trail, allowing you to walk closer to or further from the river. The paths seemed to all lead to the same place, but it was nice having the option of getting closer to the river many times.
Next, continue hiking for another third of a mile. Keep your eyes peeled for a small spur path off to the right. This path leads you closer to the next waterfall, Big Falls!
This one is made up of two waterfalls separated by a large swath of river. The top tier, often dubbed “Little Falls,” is pictured below. The bottom tier is a bit harder to see and access, but it’s taller and more powerful!
To get to the third waterfall, head back up to the trail and keep hiking along the river. Slowly, the trail will veer away from the river. Don’t worry; the next waterfall is actually on an entirely different river, so you’re going the right way!
About a tenth of a mile past Big Falls, you’ll come to a junction. Keep left to continue on the Enclosure Trail.
For about 0.4 miles, you’ll hike through the woods, along the edge of a meadow. It’s very pretty!
Then, once you reach the river again – this time, the Little Duck River – take the path closest to the water. The path runs along the river for about a quarter-mile, passing multiple smaller, unnamed waterfalls and cascades.
Soon, you’ll reach the final waterfall, Step Falls! Due to its size, volume, seclusion, and how close you could get to this one, Step Falls was my favorite. We found the tiered stair-step falls, rootbeer-colored water, giant rocks, and foaming, swift currents spiraling down the river to be absolutely mesmerizing.
There is a giant, flat boulder directly in front of the falls, so we sat there, had a snack, and admired the view for a while.
To finish the loop, head back the way you came until you reach the top trail again. Then continue a tenth of a mile before veering right to get back to the trailhead and parking lot.
Though the path is quite easy to follow, I always download offline maps ahead of time – just in case. My favorite navigational apps are AllTrails and Gaia GPS!
Other Things to Do in Old Stone Fort
While the waterfalls hike is definitely the highlight of the park (in my opinion), there are so many other great things to do while you’re there! Let me tell you about a few of them.
Go Mountain Biking
The challenging 1.7-mile Powerline Trail is great for hiking, but it’s also a perfect path for mountain biking! Access the trail from Powers Bridge Road, a few miles from the visitor center.
Explore the Other Hiking Trails
There are nearly 10 miles of hiking trails in Old Stone Fort. Most will just hike the Enclosure Trail and then head out of the park, but I’d encourage you to explore some of the other trails.
For example, you can easily add the 1.2-mile Backbone Trail to your Enclosure Trail hike. Similar to Enclosure, the path follows the river most of the way. But it is a bit more difficult than the Enclosure Trail!
Go Fishing
Old Stone Fort is a fisherman’s haven. Catch largemouth bass, bream, and catfish from the riverbanks or by boat.
Small fishing boats, along with kayaks and canoes, can be launched directly in Old Stone Fort, between the bridge and the picnic area.
Where to Stay Near Old Stone Fort
Your best option for staying near Old Stone Fort is in the park itself. Conveniently camp at Old Stone Fort Campground! These 50 private, heavily wooded sites can accommodate tents and RVs.
You could also stay at the Broken Banjo, just 15 minutes outside of the park. They have cute cabins and unique glamping stays like covered wagons, safari tents, and tepees, along with tent and RV sites.
Prefer to stay in a hotel? Stay in the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn in Manchester, just a few minutes outside of the park.
Old Stone Fort Waterfalls FAQs
Which Trail at Old Stone Fort Has Waterfalls?
The Enclosure Trail has all three of the named waterfalls in Old Stone Fort.
How Many Waterfalls Are at Old Stone Fort?
There are three waterfalls at Old Stone Fort. Blue Hole Falls, Big Falls, and Step Falls are located along the 1.4-mile Enclosure Trail.
How Long Is the Hike to the Old Stone Fort Waterfalls?
1.4 miles!
Is the Hike to the Old Stone Waterfalls Easy?
Yes! To get closer to the falls, you’ll need to navigate some rocky terrain. But even so, I’d still consider this a very easy trail.
Are the Waterfalls at Old Stone Fort Always Flowing?
They’re almost always flowing, but the flow rate is different throughout the year. The waterfalls are at their heaviest flow during the winter, spring, and after a good rainfall.
Can You Swim at the Old Stone Fort Waterfalls?
No. The currents in the rivers are incredibly swift – especially in the winter, spring, and after rainfall – making swimming way too dangerous.
For other great swimming holes in the area, check out Rutledge Falls, Greeter Falls, and Cold Hole at Rock Island.
Leave No Trace
As always, respect the landscape by packing your trash out. NEVER litter.
Always follow these 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Read more about Leave No Trace and how you can do your part to protect these natural spaces here.
Things to Do Near Old Stone Fort
Lucky for you, this part of Tennessee is filled with outdoorsy recreation areas! Here are some great things to do near Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.
Rutledge Falls
Rutledge Falls – AKA the “Hannah Montana waterfall” – is just a 15-minute drive from Old Stone Fort. An easy 0.1-mile path leads to a waterfall and one of the best swimming holes in the state!
NOTE: Rutledge Falls is on private property, so please be respectful and follow the posted rules at the entrance!
Short Springs
Short Springs State Natural Area, home to Machine Falls, Busby Falls, and Adams Falls, is just 20 minutes from Old Stone Fort.
Here you’ll find 5 miles of hiking trails, including a fun 3-mile, 3-waterfall loop!
Greeter Falls
Just 45 minutes from Old Stone Fort is a massive bang-for-your-buck hike in Tennessee – Greeter Falls!
Located inside Savage Gulf State Park, Greeter Falls is home to a 1-mile, 3-waterfall loop, plus two dazzling swimming holes.
Rock Island
Less than 1 hour from Old Stone Fort is one of our favorite state parks in Tennessee – Rock Island! This fantastic park is filled with gorgeous hiking trails, scenic swimming holes, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire state.
The two main waterfalls – Twin Falls and Great Falls – are both viewable from their respective parking lots. But to find the others, well, you’ll likely need my Rock Island waterfall guide to find them; some of them are hidden!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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