Old Stone Fort State Park

The Old Stone Fort State Park is located in Manchester, Tennessee. This 876 acre park earned its name for the 2,000-year old Native American ceremonial site that is located on the property. After years of public pressure, the state finally bought the land surrounding this historical feature and opened the Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park in 1966.

History

Though the Old Stone Fort was used as an encampment for American soldiers, the structure predates U.S. history and settlers by hundreds of years. Originally built by a Middle Woodland tribe, the Old Stone Fort is not actually a fort at all, but a large walled enclosure positioned at the intersection of the Duck River and Little Duck River. Though the waterside location offered settlers many conveniences over the years, archaeologists have determined that it was originally built for ceremonies and that the tribe used the site continuously for these purposes for over 500 years.

Hiking

The Old Stone Fort Park offers miles of hiking trails with varying distances and degrees of difficulty. While most visitors to the mark make a hike to the Old Stone Fort site a priority, trails also lead to other notable sites like the Big Falls and Blue Hole Falls. For a quick walk with a big payoff, visit the Old Stone Fort Museum and observation area.

Camping at Old Stone Fort

The Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park offers over 50 leveled campsites with water and electric hook-ups. A rustic group tent area is also available with reservations. The park offers campers two different restrooms, including one with public showers.

Visitors should not miss a chance to admire the beauty of the Old Stone Fort State Park in Tennessee.