Summary
This 855-acre state park is located in Overton County and provides a variety of recreational opportunities, breathtaking landscapes, and interesting historical sites.
One of the main draws of Standing Stone State Park is the stunning 69-acre Standing Stone Lake. This artificial lake serves as the centerpiece of the park and provides ample opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and bream, while swimmers can enjoy the designated swimming area with its sandy beach.
The park also boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, totaling around eight miles in length. These trails wind through lush forests, around the lake, and up to scenic overlooks. The moderately challenging Hidden Springs Trail is a popular choice, leading hikers to an enchanting waterfall and the park's namesake, a massive standing stone.
Apart from natural beauty, Standing Stone State Park is home to several interesting historical sites. Visitors can explore the Standing Stone Monument, the namesake of the park, which is believed to have been placed by Native Americans centuries ago. There is also the historic Standing Stone State Park Inn, a revered gathering spot since the 1930s, and a Depression-era dam and mill.
Interesting facts about Standing Stone State Park include its designation as a "resort state park," which means it offers lodging, dining, and recreational amenities. The park features both cabins and campsites for overnight stays, as well as a restaurant and a swimming pool. Additionally, the park hosts various events throughout the year, including guided hikes, educational programs, and special festivals.
The best time to visit Standing Stone State Park largely depends on personal preference. Spring, with its mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, offers a vibrant atmosphere. Summer is ideal for water activities and swimming, while fall showcases spectacular foliage colors. Winter visitors can enjoy a quieter park, with opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Multiple independent sources, including the official Tennessee State Parks website and travel review platforms like TripAdvisor, can verify the accuracy of the information provided.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Standing Stone State Rustic Park
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Dale Hollow Dam - Dale Hollow Lake
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Willow Grove - Dale Hollow Lake
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