Rock Island Spring, Walling, TN

## Overview Rock Island Spring is a free-flowing natural spring located within the scenic surroundings of Rock Island State Park in Warren County, Tennessee. The spring water emerges from a pipe set into the hillside, providing a steady, convenient flow that makes it easy to fill jugs, bottles, and large water containers. Available around the clock, this public spring has long been a popular stop for locals and visitors who come to collect fresh spring water. Rock Island State Park itself is renowned for its dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and the confluence of the Caney Fork, Rocky, and Collins Rivers. The park sits atop a landscape carved from Ordovician-age limestone and dolomite — geology that naturally filters groundwater through layers of rock before it resurfaces as spring water. While no laboratory testing results are publicly available for this particular spring, visitors have historically used it as a drinking water source and many report that the water tastes clean and refreshing. ## Directions 1. From the town of Rock Island near the intersection of Route 136, head west on **Route 287** (also known as **Great Falls Road**). 2. Continue west for approximately 2–3 miles. 3. Turn **right** onto **Beach Road**. 4. Drive past the **Rock Island State Park Office and Visitor Center** on your left. 5. Just a short distance beyond the visitor center, look for the spring pipe on the **right side of the road**, set back slightly into the wooded area. GPS coordinates: **35.80978, -85.641914** — The nearest address is approximately 101 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581. ## What to Expect The spring pipe is tucked into a wooded area along Beach Road, just past the state park's visitor center. The flow is steady and strong enough to fill large containers without a long wait. The setup is simple — water flows continuously from a pipe protruding from the hillside — so no pumping or special equipment is needed. Because the spring is located within Rock Island State Park, there are plenty of other attractions worth exploring while you're in the area. The park features the stunning **Great Falls** on the Caney Fork River, a scenic overlook of the **Twin Falls**, swimming areas, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. It's an excellent place to spend a full day outdoors. A few practical tips for your visit: - **Timing:** The spring is accessible 24/7, but visiting during daylight hours is recommended. The wooded setting can get quite dark after sunset, and there is limited lighting in the area. - **Seasonal notes:** The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary slightly with seasonal rainfall. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the park. - **Water quality:** No formal lab testing has been reported for this spring. The water source is believed to originate from nearby underground aquifers fed by the surrounding river systems. As with any untreated natural water source, visitors should be aware that water quality can vary and use their own judgment. - **Containers:** Bring your own bottles or jugs — there are no cups or containers provided at the site. Whether you're stocking up on spring water or simply passing through Rock Island State Park, this roadside spring is a convenient and well-loved stop in one of Middle Tennessee's most beautiful natural areas.