Ozone Falls is a 43-acre natural area in Cumberland County and is one of Tennessee's most heavily-visited state natural areas, because of its close proximity to Interstate 40. Ozone Falls plunges 110 feet over a sandstone cap rock into a deep, rock-strewn pool. Fall Creek then disappears underground, re-emerging several yards downstream. An impressive rock house “amphitheater” that was created over geologic time by wind, water, freeze/thaw, and erosion provides the backdrop for the falls. Because of its picturesque beauty and easy access, Ozone Falls was selected for filming scenes for the movie “Jungle Book.”

Small open sandstone glades that support native grasses and prairie plants occur on the bluffs and the caprock at the top of the falls. The surrounding upland vegetation is dominated by oaks and Virginia pine. An infestation of southern pine beetles killed many of the pines between 1999 and 2001. A remnant old-growth mixed mesophytic forest community is found beneath the waterfall. It is comprised of eastern hemlock, white pine, magnolia, yellow birch, sugar maple, tulip poplar, and red oak and with rosebay rhododendron in the shrub layer. The stream contains many huge boulders, some the size of houses, and many small placid pools. A rugged ¾-mile trail begins along the bluff near the falls and then descends into the gorge passing a small rock house called Gamblers Den. The trail follows Fall Creek to the confluence with Renfro Creek where hikers must backtrack to return to the trailhead.

Ozone Falls is situated on the eastern edge of the Crab Orchard Mountains on the Cumberland Plateau. Legend has it that the area was named “Ozone” because of the “stimulating quality of the air” created by the mist that is generated after the long plunge of the water. In the 1800s, grist and sawmills were built above the falls. The last one was washed over the falls during a spring flood in 1900.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, located at 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN, is a stunning natural retreat known for its breathtaking waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park features one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, along with hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. With picturesque views and outdoor activities like camping and rock climbing, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Known for its rugged beauty and impressive waterfalls, the park includes the Caney Fork River Gorge (the gorge), one of Tennessee’s many national treasures. The gorge is a popular location for hiking and swimming offering deep-blue pools, scenic trails, and cascades—including Great Falls, a 30-foot waterfall located below the 19th-century cotton textile mill that it powered more than 100 years ago. The park’s namesake is an island in the Caney Fork River where a textile mill operated in the 1890s. In 1917, a hydroelectric plant and dam were built by the Tennessee Electric Power Company, just downstream from the Caney Fork and Collins Rivers, creating Great Falls Lake. In those days, the plant’s village was bustling, and Rock Island was a popular resort. The community’s water supply flowed from the Spring House. Resembling a castle, it is now a quaint park feature.

The Tennessee Valley Authority took over operations in the 1940s, and in 1966 leased property to the State of Tennessee for park development. Since then, the park has been a leading recreation area. Rock Island became a Tennessee State Park in 1969.

Rock Island State Park has some of the finest Tennessee State Park cabins. All ten, three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabins, are open year-round. They are located a half-mile from the natural sand beach along the Caney Fork River. The park also has two campgrounds offering 60 different campsites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

Home to the largest private collection of rare and vintage guitars on display in the world, this unique museum is a music-oriented, pop culture experience for the whole family. Enjoy live music on two stages, events and exhibits showcasing legends of country and all genres of music. Part of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex.