June 1st-Waterfalls Hike - Rock Island SP

Hey Ya'll, we have a huge group!! Wow. I'll bring catnip for herding the cats.
Bring a lunch, broken in shoes, and a positive attitude. Here are the plans:

So, carpooling:
From Nashville: At 6:45am Meet at Kroger 61 E Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211. Organize yourselves, as I won't be at THIS carpooling spot. If you have empty seats, please proceed to the Lebanon carpooling spot. Please leave in time to get to the state park by 9:15 or to Lebanon car pooling location by 7:30am.
Carpooling from Lebanon: Publix. 445 TN-109, Lebanon, TN 37090. This is right off highway 40. Meet here at 7:30 am if you have empty seats or need a ride, and are not driving solo the entire way to the park.
We'll leave Lebanon carpooling spot promptly at 7:45am. I will be at this carpooling location.

Meet at Rock Island State Park Visitor Center at 9:15 am to get maps, info, etc if you want them. Don't be in a rush with this large group, lol.

The Hikes all depend on TVA and if they shut down trails due to possibly dam release/flooding. There is a SLIGHT chance of rain Saturday as of 5/30/24 at 7pm. Not all hikes are shut down by TVA, just old mill and blue hole.

If you're new to hiking send me a message for a checklist of gear. Break in your footwear before you come.

We'll carpool from Days Inn right off of I-40 & 231 in Lebanon at 9am.
Be at the Blue Hole trailhead by 10:30am.

No dogs allowed on this trip, but maybe in the future. My dog is coming because she's very well behaved, small, and needs exercise.

We might stop for dinner at Damvue Daughters or other local place afterward.

Trails:
Hike #1: Blue hole trail -waterfalls! 0.2 M , 55 ft gain, out and back. Wet and steep. No swimming. From alltrails.com: Explore this 0.2-mile out-and-back trail near Rock Island, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route.

Hike #2: Moonshine trail.
0.6 miles. Easy. 65 ft gain. Loop. 15 min average. Lots of parking here. Located at the campground road.

Hike #3: Twin Falls and Downstream Trail/ Upstream trail (if we split up one group could do Collins trail, and then switch)
(Easy-223 ft of elevation change). There are stairs on the Upstream trailhead area, which has a great view! This hike is about a 10-15 minute drive from the visitor center.
Get to know this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Rock Island, Tennessee. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Upstream trail is 0.2 miles.

Hike #4: Old Mill gorge trail / swimming hole
0.3M, 55 ft gain, 9 min ave time. Stairs. Swim at your own risk.

Hike #5: Collins River Nature Trail
Get to know this 2.6-mile loop trail near Rock Island, Tennessee. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Mostly flat, very wooded, very beautiful. I've hiked this one. Loop. Cunningham connector trail can shorten the loop for you.

Hike #6 Eagle Trail
From the campground. No parking. Narrow & tall waterfalls. 1.5M 45 minutes. 295 ft elevation gain. Out and back. Some mixed reviews.

Questions? Text me at 801-809-0170. -Tanner