October 30, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
Established in 1966
We arrived in Tennessee and found our campground in Manchester. The rolling hills of Tennessee are gorgeous. The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was only ten minutes down the road and it was the first place on my list to visit.
State Parks are some of the prettiest places to see. The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the past. This historical site was built during the Middle Woodland Period, about 2,000 years ago.
Native Americans built several mounds of dirt and rock and probably used it as ceremonial grounds. The massive earthen mounds form an enclosure measuring 1.25 miles around approximately 50 acres.
It was abandoned by the Middle Woodland culture around 500 BC, but it was later used by other Native American groups, including the Mississippian culture. By the time European settlers arrived in the area in the 18th century, the Old Stone Fort was in ruins.
Two pedestal mounds are located inside the enclosure and were used for ceremonial purposes. The walls are up to 20 feet high and 30 feet wide. History buffs and nature lovers like us love visiting places like this. There were very few artifacts found in the area, leading archaeologists to conclude that it was a religious ceremonial site as opposed to a village site.
We walked through the museum which houses a variety of exhibits and watched a short film explaining the history of the area. I love learning about the history of the places we visit by exploring the museums and artifacts. All Tennessee State Parks are free to visit. This is wonderful for us as we travel.
There are some sidewalk paths and easy hiking paths leading to waterfalls. I walked as far as the dam and couldn’t go any further into the woods.
The enclosure trail is a 1.4-mile loop trail that follows the perimeter of the Old Stone Fort and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass several interpretive signs that provide information about the site’s history and significance.
The park has several other hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. These trails offer opportunities to see waterfalls, explore the Duck River, and enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife. The only wildlife we saw were squirrels.
There is a campground with 50 campsites on the other side of the Duck River that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The campsites have water and electric hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire rings.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a unique and fascinating place to visit. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and abundance of activities, the park has something to offer everyone. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, be sure to add Old Stone Fort to your list of must-see destinations in Tennessee.
Thanks for traveling with us.