Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was built 2,000 years ago by Native Americans, and is now protected by the state of Tennessee. Take a walk amongst its towering trees and breathe in the smell of middle Tennessee in late summer. You may have to fight the humidity, but this beautiful space pulses with history and will entrance even the youngest of visitors. Take a walk with us, and learn a bit about this beautiful place we call home.

Old Stone Fort - Instagram The Old Stone Fort in Coffee County, Tennessee was built between 80 AD and 550 AD, during what is known as the Middle Woodland Period. You can still visit parts of it today in the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

Old Stone Fort - Instagram The Manchester-based protected park is a great place to learn about this strange, beautifully preserved piece of state history. There is a small museum, beautiful hiking trails, and the waterways are so clear you can see straight to the bottom.

Old Stone Fort - Instagram Native Americans used the area in and around the park for more than 500 years, although it was eventually abandoned. The ruins never functioned as a fort, however. When European settlers came through Tennessee, they had no idea what the area was used as, but they decided to name it a fort anyway. Perhaps it was the easiest way to name such a strangely stunning place.

Old Stone Fort Park - Instagram It was in 1966 that the state decided to purchase part of the privately owned Chumley Estate. More than 400 acres from the property became the core of the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

Old Stone Fort - Instagram If you take the main park hiking trail, you’ll have the chance to visit what was once a ceremonial gathering place for local Native Americans. The entrance to the fort was even designed to face where the sun rises from the horizon on June 20th, the summer solstice. Plus, there are multiple waterfalls throughout the park that are positively lovely.

Photo Credit You can see here the very limited remains of one of the paper mills that ran along the Duck River. There used to be quite a few in the area, with all having since gone to ruin.

Ted Gamble - Flickr If you’re a history buff, heading to the Old Stone Fort is quite a treat. You can take in dioramic displays in the on-site museum or view an orientation film at their small theater. You can visit from 8am-430pm, seven days a week. Happy adventuring, dear ones!

Have you gone on this beautiful Tennessee countryside hike just yet…? It’s stunning!

Old Stone Fort - Instagram

The Old Stone Fort in Coffee County, Tennessee was built between 80 AD and 550 AD, during what is known as the Middle Woodland Period. You can still visit parts of it today in the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

The Manchester-based protected park is a great place to learn about this strange, beautifully preserved piece of state history. There is a small museum, beautiful hiking trails, and the waterways are so clear you can see straight to the bottom.

Native Americans used the area in and around the park for more than 500 years, although it was eventually abandoned. The ruins never functioned as a fort, however. When European settlers came through Tennessee, they had no idea what the area was used as, but they decided to name it a fort anyway. Perhaps it was the easiest way to name such a strangely stunning place.

Old Stone Fort Park - Instagram

It was in 1966 that the state decided to purchase part of the privately owned Chumley Estate. More than 400 acres from the property became the core of the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

If you take the main park hiking trail, you’ll have the chance to visit what was once a ceremonial gathering place for local Native Americans. The entrance to the fort was even designed to face where the sun rises from the horizon on June 20th, the summer solstice. Plus, there are multiple waterfalls throughout the park that are positively lovely.

Photo Credit

You can see here the very limited remains of one of the paper mills that ran along the Duck River. There used to be quite a few in the area, with all having since gone to ruin.

Ted Gamble - Flickr

If you’re a history buff, heading to the Old Stone Fort is quite a treat. You can take in dioramic displays in the on-site museum or view an orientation film at their small theater. You can visit from 8am-430pm, seven days a week. Happy adventuring, dear ones!

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