Rock Island State Park is encouraging visitors to check the availability of the Caney Fork River Gorge section of the park before visiting, as access is limited due to recent rainfall.
Park Manager Damon Graham said the gorge is located just below the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) Great Falls Dam and a TVA powerhouse. This past Monday, nine people were rescued from the gorge after being trapped due to increased water levels.
“That area, when there is a lot of rainfall, TVA has to discharge water, so we definitely want to keep visitors aware,” Graham said. “You know, those potential for a water release, when water is released, that area of the park is closed to foot traffic.”
Graham said visitors can call the park office or check TVA’s water release schedule online at TVA’s website. Graham said visitor safety is a top priority at Rock Island State Park.
“Anytime you go into nature, there’s always, you know, things that are a risk, and we just ask the people, you know, kind of use common sense, especially around the TVA sections of the park. Pay attention and read the warning signs.”
Graham said even if the gorge is blocked off, visitors can still enjoy other parts of the park.
“We have overlooks kind of just below the dam, so it’s something that’s really a feature to see when TVA releases a large volume of water,” Graham said. “You can see those from the overlook and take great photos.”
Graham said safety is paramount anytime you visit a state park. Graham said that if you are going to be around bodies of water, it is best to wear some sort of flotation device.
