Rock Island Safety
Warning Alert

Safety Closures in Effect at Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park

The following alert is important for all Rock Island State Park visitors

TVA Great Falls Dam and/or the TVA Great Falls Powerhouse may release water on an irregular schedule. Water discharge may change day to day or even hour to hour. All river gorge areas downstream of the TVA Dam are closed when the dam is in Active water spill mode or a discharge is likely for the day. Before planning your visit, please check TVA's website for Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse for the most current water discharge schedule. Visitors are encouraged to check the discharge schedule often. Discharge schedules can change rapidly based on lake levels, rainfall forecasts, etc. Water releases may occur with or without warning any time you are near a TVA dam or powerhouse. Visitors should be prepared for a quick exit should they hear warning sirens or notice water rising. Life jackets and hiking shoes are strongly encouraged in this area.

The park has also seen very high visitation over the last year. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the park is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.

Please check the park’s Facebook page for updates before your visit.  

Know Before You Go

Rock Island State Park

The park often experiences high visitation. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated areas. If the park is full, please consider visiting another state park in the area.

Also, please check the status of the Caney Fork River Gorge section of the park before visiting, as access is dependent on approval from TVA based on hourly water release predictions. Gorge closures may occur without notice and can be in place for varying lengths of time. Learn more on our safety information page.

Rock Island Gorge Safety

Rock Island State Park

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO: Please note that swimming or wading is not permitted downstream of the Powerhouse at any time, regardless of water releases. Check TVA’s website for water release information and dam safety data at: www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Great-Falls.

  • A tranquil river reflects the blue sky and surrounding cliffs, with scattered rocks lining the shore.
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    Safety at Rock Island Park

    The Caney Fork River Gorge is an area located inside Rock Island State Park. It is defined as the area between Great Falls Dam and the TVA Power House.  

    A map of Caney Fork River Gorge

    Caney Fork River Gorge

    While the Caney Fork River Gorge (the gorge) is an incredible display of Tennessee’s natural beauty, it’s vital that you understand the risks associated with entering this area.  

    Displayed here is the map that shows the boundaries of the areas within Rock Island State Park. It is vital that you understand the risks inherent to visiting the park.  

    Download PDF

    Caney Fork River Gorge Safety

    Watch this video on Caney Fork River Gorge Safety

    • A red brick hydroelectric plant beside a flowing river, bridge to the right, rocky shore, leafless trees, and power lines above, creating a serene, industrial scene.

    Access May Be Prohibited

    Water levels are highly variable in the gorge due to releases of water from Great Falls Dam. 

    Active Water Release 

    When the Great Falls Dam is actively releasing water, it is unsafe to enter the gorge and all access will be restricted. During large releases from the dam, the entire gorge can quickly become flooded with water making conditions extremely hazardous.  

    These images show examples of how the water may look when access is prohibited versus when it is allowed.  

    How To Know

    Water may be released suddenly from TVA Great Falls Dam or the TVA Great Falls Power House. The dam and power house are at two different locations about half a mile apart. The power house typically releases water at some point every day at irregular times. Swimming or wading downstream of the power house is not permitted at any time.

    • Check TVA Schedules

      Check TVA’s water release schedules to see if Great Falls Dam is spilling. If the dam is spilling, TVA's website will show a blue box close to the top of the page stating that Great Falls will be spilling until further notice. Please note that release schedules are subject to change throughout the day and are controlled by TVA. 

      Check TVA Site

    • Current Conditions

      For current river gorge conditions, please consult the Rock Island Facebook page.  

      Check Facebook

    • Visitor Center

      Stop by the visitor center upon arrival to orient yourself with the geography of the gorge and check with park staff on release schedules.  

    • Be Aware

      Always use caution in the gorge. Monitor your surroundings. Watch for slick rocks and swift currents.  

    • Sirens

      If you hear sirens and see increased water flow or muddier water, exist the gorge immediately and remain on higher ground.  

    • Emergencies

      In the event of an emergency, dial 911 and tell the dispatcher you are in the Caney Fork River Gorge at Rock Island State Park. Give your location in reference to prominent features, such as the TVA Power House and the historic Cotton Mill.  

    Guidelines to Follow

      • A woman and two children wearing life jackets paddle in a canoe on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. Leisurely and serene.

      Age

      Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We encourage children ages 5 and under and those with underlying medical conditions not to enter the gorge.  

      • Cascading waterfall over multi-tiered rocks, water flows gently, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere with patches of green moss and foliage.

      Cliff Jumping Prohibited

      Cliff jumping or diving is prohibited. Swimming or wading is not allowed in any areas downstream from the TVA Power House all the way to the main beach boat ramp including by the “Power House,” “Twin Falls,” and “Blue Hole” due to hidden and deadly currents.  

      • Four children play barefoot and explore along a rocky creek bed, some crouching to look at stones in the shallow water.

      Wear Sturdy Shoes

      Wear sturdy shoes. Flip-flops or other slip-on style shoes are not recommended.  

      • Canoeists in life vests by a riverbank, surrounded by greenery, with canoes on the shore.

      USCG-Approved Life Jackets

      U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are advised any time you are near deep water. While some life jackets are available at the park, we recommend bringing your own.  

      • A woman stands by a waterfall, holding a colorful map titled "State Parks." Her long hair flows as she attentively looks at the map, conveying exploration.

      Prohibited Items

      Coolers, glass, strollers, and alcohol are all prohibited in the gorge.  

      • A group of volunteers, including a child, clean a wooded area. They're wearing green vests and using trash bags, conveying teamwork and environmental care.

      Leave No Trace

      Take care of this natural environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Carry in, carry out. Put your trash in your backpack and carry it out of the gorge.  

    • A tranquil river reflects the blue sky and surrounding cliffs, with scattered rocks lining the shore.

    Where Can I Swim? 

    Swimming and wading are popular activities at Rock Island.  

    If the gorge is closed, head down to the swim beach! The swim beach is the most accessible area for swimming within the park and is ideal for visitors with children. This natural sand-silt shoreline of the Caney Fork River offers a boat ramp, reservable picnic pavilion, and restrooms. No lifeguards on duty.  

    Go to Swimming Page
    • Three deer stand in a wooded area, surrounded by bare trees. They look alert in a serene forest setting, conveying a sense of calm and wilderness.

    Where Can I Hike?

    There are lots of hiking trails located outside of the gorge area that visitors can enjoy if the gorge is closed. These areas include points of interest like Twin Falls and the Blue Hole. 

    Go to Hiking Page

    Other Activities at Rock Island State Park