COVID-19 UPDATES: Keeping Visitors Healthy

Rock Island State Park

Safety Closures in Effect at Rock Island State Park
June 8-July 24

Starting Monday, June 8, both generator units at TVA Great Falls will be out of service. During this time TVA will maintain targeted water levels with active water releases from TVA Great Falls Dam.  The dam will likely be in active spill mode for the entire service period which is predicted to end July 24. Active spill mode is in effect any time water is being released from the dam. Once TVA activates spilling, additional water releases may occur at any time with or without warning. Massive amounts of water may be discharged suddenly affecting conditions for miles downstream. 

For visitor safety, all state park sections of the river gorge below the TVA Dam will be closed during this entire time period.  This closure includes all swimming spots in the river gorge section as well as the Upstream Access Trail & Old Mill Access Trail. Please plan accordingly for these closures and do not attempt to enter closed areas for your safety. The park has also been experiencing very high visitation resulting in limited or no parking being available, especially on weekends, so have alternate plans available. Please do not park on roadsides or in non-designated spots to avoid having your vehicle towed. Park staff suggest visiting at non-peak hours and avoiding weekends.

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO: Please note 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.

Please read the text below about the Caney Fork River Gorge and Safety Information prior to visiting the park. 

Tennessee State Parks are open for day-use visitors and overnight guests. Park hours may vary from normal operations in response to COVID-19. Availability of inventory for online booking may be lower than normal as the park pursues social distancing. Certain parks or areas of parks may close if they reach capacity. Events may have limited capacity. 

Please follow the guidelines on our Keeping Visitors Healthy page to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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