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Tennessee
23

Tennessee State Parks

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USA Parks
Tennessee
Cumberland Plateau Region
Old Stone Fort State Park
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Old Stone Fort State Park Faces in Unlikely Places © Tim Gillahan
I captured this single long exposure shot while I was on a state park adventure on 06/19/2015. Me and my fiance had been hiking most of the day, so we decided to take a break in this spot. I sat and enjoyed the view, reminiscing about life and my future. I noticed that there was some foam floating around in the water. At that point, it was almost sunset, so I set up my camera and tripod and captured some long exposures of this scene, knowing the effect it would give. One thing that I didnt notice at first was the face in the water. In fact, the face is sort of reminiscent of E.T. off of one of my favorite classics. When things like this happen, it brings me peace of mind that photography is my destiny.
Old Stone Fort State Park Falls in the Fall © George A Taylor
Through the woods look at the falls on Duck River at Old Stone Fort State Park in Tullahoma, TN
Old Stone Fort State Park Falls in the Fall © George A Taylor
Shot from the bluff over looking the falls of the Duck River in middle Tennessee outside Tullahoma, TN.
Old Stone Fort State Park © Andy Detwiler
Old Stone Fort State Park © Andy Detwiler
Old Stone Fort State Park Waterfall © Wendy Cunningham
This is one of the MANY waterfalls located at Old Stone Fort near Manchester.
Old Stone Fort State Park © Andy Detwiler
Old Stone Fort State Park © Andy Detwiler
Old Stone Fort State Park © Andy Detwiler
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OLD STONE FORT STATE PARK
OLD STONE FORT STATE PARK
732 Stone Fort Drive
Manchester, Tennessee   37355

Phone: 931-723-5073
This State Archaeological Park is dedicated to the preservation, protection, study and interpretation to the public of this significant survival of ancient culture. The park offers educational and entertaining programs which increase understanding of the Old Stone Fort, archaeology, and Native American cultures.

The Visitor Center and exhibit hall complex includes exhibits relating to the history, archaeology, and legends surrounding the Old Stone Fort and its builders.
History of the Area
The Old Stone Fort is a 2000 year-old American Indian ceremonial site. It consists of mounds and walls that combine with cliffs and rivers to form an enclosure measuring 1-1/4 miles around. The 50-acre hilltop enclosure moundsite is believed to have served as a central ceremonial gathering place for some 500 years.
Camping
There are 51 campsites with water and electrical hookups, grills, picnic tables and hard-surface pads. A dump station is available during the summer months. One of the two restroom facilities includes showers. Campsite are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and the stay limit is two weeks.

A group tent primitive camping area is available for use by scheduled, organized groups only, such as boy scouts.

Camp sites are heavily wooded with separation between the sites. Camping is equally popular by both RV's and tents/pop-ups. While the campground has a remote feel, it is actually within 10 minutes of a variety of restaurants. Also, a Manchester public pool is within one mile of the campground.

For more information call:931-723-5073
Golf Course
Phone: 931-723-5075Open 7 days a week, closed on Christmas Day

Old Stone Fort Golf Course is the only 9-hole course within the 8 courses operated by the State of Tennessee. This course was originally built in 1973 and known as the Manchester Country Club before being purchased by the State. The course lays along the pastoral Duck River with mature trees encompassing each hole. The irrigation system was updated and the tees were rebuilt in 1995. Old Stone Fort recently completed a new Golf Shop and opened their new facility in fall 1998.

Hole #5, a 516-yard Par 5, dogleg left is tree-lined on both sides of the fairway with water guarding the green is Old Stone Fort?s Signature hole. The course features 3 holes with water to contend with and hardwoods are found on all 9 holes. This course is a favorite of all those in the area due to the ease of walking and no tee times are required. This is a regular round of golf for lots of folks after a long day of work.

On Site Amenities: Practice Green, Pull Carts, Vending Machines and limited food service.

Tee Time Policy: No tee times required.

Golf Packages: Not available at this site..
Fishing
Good fishing is available along the scenic course of the Bark Camp and Barren forks of the Duck River, as well as the Duck River itself. A valid TN fishing license is required. Fishermen can expect catches of bream, crappie, large mouth bass and catfish.


Location
Old Stone Fort State Park is located near Manchester, Tullahoma and Murfreesboro

Picnicking
There are 48 picnic tables and grills available in the designated picnic area. The picnic area is located within 1/4 mile of the museum and Old Stone Fort near the fork of the Duck River.
Trails
Several foot trails explore the Old Stone Fort enclosure and Duck River area. The trail around the perimeter of the ancient enclosure is 1-1/4 miles in length. The forks of the Duck River drop over numerous water falls to each side of the Old Stone Fort. There are 2 miles of developed trails beyond the main interpretive trail.
Bicycling
The park offers several miles of biking trails, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Trails wind through dense forests, providing a scenic ride.

Mountain bikers will enjoy the challenging terrain on certain paths.

Riders should be aware that some areas are steep and rocky; caution is advised.

Bicyclists must yield to hikers using shared pathways in this area.

Helmets are strongly recommended due to uneven surfaces along routes.

Cyclist amenities include bike racks at trailheads but no rental services available onsite.

Remember: always respect wildlife you may encounter during your rides here!
Nature Programs
Programs can be scheduled for school and other groups that provide insight into the significance of Old Stone Fort, the culture or lifestyles of Woodland Indians, and the goals and techniques of archaeology. There are scheduled programs for weekend days during the summer months.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Red-tailed Hawk, American Goldfinch and Eastern Bluebird. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of birds year-round. Birdwatchers may also see Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers near water bodies. Forest areas are home to Wild Turkeys, Barred Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers among others.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 29 An awsome surprise. by jenn
park review stars; one to five I had never heard of this park before visiting but I was plesently surprised and would certinly suggest others to visit.
September 6 Trails need attention by Bruce
park review stars; one to five The main trail is in need of a layer of wood chips. Several places were difficult to transverse on Labor Day weekend, 2010. Museum was good even if it was necessary to request the video (which was out of focus!).
June 3 The wild flowers are magnififcent. by MizLollipop
park review stars; one to five Come in the Spring when the area is in bloom. Bring a guide a be prepared to be awed. This area is a natural biosphere that has approximately 122 different plant species per square mile.
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Area Campgrounds
The Broken Banjo RV Park
586 Campground Road
Manchester, TN
931-728-9777
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sportsman Store
710 S Anderson St
Tullahoma, TN
(931) 455-0354
Barton Springs Grocery & Bait
4715 Riley Creek Rd
Normandy, TN
(931) 857-3911
Mikes Woods & Waters
4510 Murfreesboro Hwy
Manchester, TN
(931) 728-4999
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The Park is located off U.S. Highway 41 in Manchester, TN. From I-24 turn southwest at the Highway 53, Exit 110 and follow the signs 1-1/2 miles to the entrance. Exit 111 also has signs that will take you to the park.

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Tennessee
23

Tennessee State Parks

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