Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

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About

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is home to a prehistoric earth and stone enclosure built 2000 years ago by Native Americans.

Description

The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. By the time European settlers arrived, it was unclear of what the area had been used for which resulted in it being misnamed as a fort. In 1966, the state of Tennessee purchased 400 acres of the Chumley estate as the core of what is now Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

The park is home to an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. The main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail threads through dramatic scenery where you can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Visitors can learn about the Old Stone Fort on this hike with twelve interpretive panels as well as enjoying the areas graceful waterfalls.

The Old Stone Fort attracts history enthusiasts from all over. The park’s museum consists of displays of prehistoric Native American replicas as well as dioramas and photos. The exhibits provide information on the theories regarding the enclosure’s builders, archaeological excavations at the site and the culture of its builders. There is also a small theater for viewing an orientation film and other videos as well as group presentations. The museum also houses the welcome center, park office and gift shop.

Mission

To preserve and protect, in perpetuity, unique examples of natural, cultural and scenic areas and provide a variety of safe quality outdoor experiences through a well-planned and professionally managed system of state parks.

"This historic Native American site is perfect for history and archaeology buffs. There is also a museum and theater to offer multiple tools to learn about the history behind this site. There are also a few hiking trails in this 400 acre space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website."

Address: 732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester (Tennessee) 37355

Phone: (931) 723-5073

Website

Parking: Lot

State: TN

City: Manchester

Street Number: 732 Stone Fort Dr

Zip Code: 37355

categories: government organization, park

Opening Hours

Monday: 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday: 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday: 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday: 08:00 - 16:30
Friday: 08:00 - 16:30
Saturday: 08:00 - 16:30
Sunday: 08:00 - 16:30

Reviews

This is a very nice place with wonderful scenery and history. It's a pretty easy hike if you're staying on the trail. There are many waterfalls where you can walk to and the water is shallow enough to go walk around and explore the different creek areas. I especially enjoyed that there were water plants. It makes the scenery very unique and makes the water nice and shiny. I would recommend this to any one loves to go on hikes and explore waterfalls. There are also ample amount of parking spaces and a great picnic area too.

Quite possibly one of my most favorite places to visit now. This beautiful state park in Tennessee is free, has unbelievable sights, and experiences. Waterfalls are easy to get to and play on. The lady in the museum was very kind and told us everything we needed to know. The museum is very cool as well.  Bathrooms were clean. We liked it here so much we drove an hour on 2 separate occasions just to spend an extra day here. It was magical!

Nice park with great spots to rest and grab some good photos.  Nice short hike,  pretty level most of the time.  Good for kids.  Bring swimwear and a towel so you can get wet in the falls and pools.  Mostly shaded trails but bring the sunblock.  Restrooms: Restrooms in the museum/ visitors center.  Get dry before going in, or they will not allow you to enter.

Great hike and reasonable access to waterfalls. Swimming is allowed. Easy enough for our 2 year old to enjoy the hike as well. Breathtaking waterfalls definitely recommend!!

Ranger was showing techniques to throw a spear.  The museum is very educational and elementary aged kids will enjoy it.  Families were swimming and there is shade and a waterfall.  Good for families.

Amazing views including a series of three waterfalls! Several places to swim, moderate hiking with only slight difficulty due to tree roots, of historical significance the park includes information throughout regarding the archaeological discoveries. The guest center is open until 4pm each day but the park itself closes at sunset.

Beautiful state park, a quick jaunt off of the highway. We stopped for a little walk to stretch our legs and decompress, on the second day of a three day road trip. Wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the museum and all of the hiking trails. Next time we are in the area we will return.

A gorgeous gem of a park. Tons to explore, the river is shallow enough for small kids in many places. It was perfect to wade, swim, and paddle in. Super clean campsite with brand new showers.  This place was amazing. I can’t wait to go back.  Dog-friendliness: They allow all sizes of dogs with a requirement to keep them leashes at all times

Excellent national Park and very well maintained. We went during the week and it was almost no one there. There is a little bit of wildlife put the falls in the river is very beautiful.

This park was just okay. I thought we were looking at the ruins when we were at the museum but I think they were somewhere else. I didn’t really find the map to be very useful in telling me that, but maybe I just didn’t look close enough? We had stopped in on our way to another park and I accidentally closed out of my gps app. I didn’t have any data, so I just needed WiFi to type in the address and from there I would be fine. I see that the museum has WiFi but is password protected so I go in and ask the guy if I would be allowed to use it for a second and just what I needed it for. He stands there and tells me “we don’t have it.” I say “um it’s literally right here. It literally says Old Stone Fort.” That’s all he will say to me is we don’t have it even when I show him that yes you do. I understand if guests can’t use it but don’t lie to me. I wouldn’t have been mad at all if he said sorry we can’t give that to guests or I don’t even know the password. It’s not like I wanted to get on there and update my social media. I just wanted to not get lost with two kids in tow. Overall, the park was very pretty and I wish we had had more time to explore…but as someone who has worked in customer service, I can’t imagine just standing there and not trying to offer directions or some type of help…but that’s just me.

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