Part of our Tennessee guide.
Twin Falls, Hiwassee Island, and The Island in Pigeon Forge are three very different Tennessee destinations. Twin Falls drops 80 feet at Rock Island State Park; Hiwassee Island holds ancient Native American mounds in the Tennessee River; and The Island in Pigeon Forge is a commercial complex with the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
Related travel guides: Secrets Hidden In Tennessee's Red Clay, Hiking And The Outdoors In Tennessee, Events And Seasons In Tennessee, Hidden Spring-Fed Rock Slide Pools In Tennessee's Little River, and Things To Do In Lebanon, Tennessee.
Twin Falls: Nature's Hidden Gem At Rock Island State Park
Twin Falls at Rock Island State Park cascades 80 feet. The waterfall draws hikers, photographers, and picnickers. The trail to the falls is a straightforward walk through woodland. The park sits on the Caney Fork River, and the plunge pool at the base of the falls is a popular place to cool off in summer. No admission fee is charged beyond standard state park parking, which was $5 per vehicle. The waterfall is most dramatic after a rain, when the flow swells to a full curtain over the sandstone cliff.
Hiwassee Island
Hiwassee Island sits in the Tennessee River and is accessible only by boat. The island preserves several ancient Native American mounds, and the surrounding waters are a designated wildlife management area. Kayaking to the island takes about 20 minutes from the nearest public ramp at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge boat launch. Once ashore, you can hike a 1.5-mile loop trail that passes the mounds and follows the riverbank. The island is also a stop on the Tennessee River Trail, and paddlers often see bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. No facilities exist on the island, so bring water and sun protection. The best months for kayaking are April through October, when water levels are stable.
Unforgettable Fun Awaits At The Island In Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre entertainment complex with more than 60 shops, a dozen restaurants, and a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel called the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Rides include a carousel, a drop tower, and a mirror maze. Admission to the complex is free; you pay per attraction or buy a day pass. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel costs $12 per adult and gives a 10-minute ride with views of the Smoky Mountains. The Island hosts live music on its central fountain stage from April through December. For a meal, the on-site Mellow Mushroom and Dick’s Last Resort are the most popular sit-down options. The Island’s Ole Smoky Moonshine tasting room offers samples of 15 flavors. The complex is open daily year-round, with extended hours during summer and holiday weeks.
