Collins River Guide
Explore Warren County
- by Hannah Carroll
- August 7, 2023
A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE CUMBERLAND RIVER BASIN
Come along and enjoy a day or weekend getaway along the Collins River in Warren Country, TN. Explore everything from local good eats and sweet treats to Rock Island State Park’s scenic backroads surrounded by historical structures located just beside the Great Falls overlook, and the peaceful riverine environment of the Collins River.
Rock Island Market
Rock Island Market
1231 Rock island road , Rock Island, TN
Start your morning off right and stop by the Rock Island Market for breakfast just outside the entrance of Rock Island State Park. This local favorite is not one you want to miss. Breakfast is served daily from 6 – 11 AM. The Market offers a great selection of breakfast, lunch, & dinner.
There are some great antique shops in this area, such as the Rustic Touch, The Lazy Daisy, and Rock Island Treasures. Stop in and bring back a unique momentum from your Rock Island adventure.
Rock Island Trolley Stop
Rock Island Trolley Stop
1189 Rock Island Rd, Rock Island, TN
During the warmer season, stop by the Rock Island Trolley Stop just across the road from the Rock Island Market. Fix that sweet tooth craving with some hand-scooped ice cream or one of their “Freak Shakes”!
Open year-round Friday thru Sunday, the Trolley Stop offers a wide variety of shakes, sweets, and caffeinated beverages.
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park
82 Beach Road Rock Island, TN 38581
After breakfast, drive the scenic route into Rock Island State Park and soak in the views of the magnificent Great Falls. There are some historical structures nearby, like the Spring House, also referred to as the Spring Castle, just across the road from the overlook. The Spring Castle was erected in the late 19th century and was used for refrigeration for the cotton mill workers. The Falls City Cotton Mill is located just beside the Great Falls overlook.
Collins River Access
Collins River
2-30 Hot Mix Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110
A good place to access the Collins River is on Shellsford Rd in Warren County. If you have a second vehicle to use for a shuttle, leave it at Wild Bill’s BBQ & Grill for a $5 fee. It is roughly a 5-mile trip from Shellsford to Wild Bills. This a comfortable 4-hour trip of paddling through the peaceful Warren County countryside.
If you do not have a vehicle to drop, just plan for a there and back trip to Shellsford Rd.
Wild Bill’s BBQ & Grill
Wild Bill’s BBQ & Grill
3340 Sparta Hwy, McMinnville, TN 37110
Takeout on the Collins River is just below Wild Bill’s BBQ & Grill. Just in time for lunch or dinner! Wild Bills offers a great selection of brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken. Try one of their delicious specialties, such as BBQ Tacos or nachos.
Wednesday 11 AM – 3 PM Thursday 11 AM – 7 PM Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
Rock Island Cabins
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park, Rock Island, TN
Rock Island State Park offers overnight accommodations for those looking to extend their stay. The Park features 10 3-bed, 2-bath cabins that are completely equipped for your overnight stay. If the cabins are fully booked, look for cabin reservations at Edgar Evins State Park, which is about 55 minutes from Rock Island.
During your stay at Rock Island, be sure to check out the list of activities on the park website . Park rangers regularly schedule guided programming such as canoeing, birding, hiking, and much more.
During the summer months, a great place to swim is at the Park’s natural sand beach down in the gorge just below the dam.
Foglight Foodhouse
Foglight Foodhouse
275 Powerhouse Rd, Walling, TN, United States, Tennessee
If you aren’t quite ready to leave the river but are looking for an excellent dining experience, stop in for dinner at the Foglight Foodhouse in Walling, TN. This best-kept secret is a 5-minute drive from Rock Island State Park. Nestled in the treetops overlooking the Caney Fork River, its cozy atmosphere and delicious food always provide for a memorable experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Upper Cumberland Development District is a governmental agency created by the Tennessee General Assembly to administer regional programs to the fourteen counties of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.
