Standing Stone State Park is only a short drive from Cookeville. It is worth the time to drive up there and see the beauty of the quiet country. It is one of my favorite places to go. Here is a some information that I got from the website: http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/StandingStone/
Standing Stone State Park covers nearly 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau of north-central Tennessee. The quaint and rustic park is noted for its outstanding scenery, spring wildflowers, fossils and other natural diversity.
The park is located in Overton County within a triangle formed by highways connecting Livingston, Gainesboro and Celina, Tennessee. In the 1930's, Standing Stone was an area plagued with soil erosion and sub-marginal lands. With the assistance of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Work Projects Administration, the Resettlement Administration and U.S. Forest Service, the area was made productive again. The project was threefold: to relocate area farmers on better land, to stop soil erosion and reforest the area and to develop opportunities for open space or outdoor recreation.
The park takes its name from the Standing Stone, an eight-foot tall rock standing upright on a sandstone ledge, which was supposedly used as a boundary line between two separate Indian nations. When the rock fell, the Indians placed a portion of it upon an improvised monument to preserve it. The stone is still preserved in Monterey, Tennessee.
Other Activities
Standing Stone State Park provides interpretive programs June-August provided by the Park's Seasonal Interpretive Ranger. Programs vary year to year and cover a broad spectrum of interests. Programs are also available on a year round basis for organized groups upon request and availability of Park Interpretive Specialist and Park Rangers.
The park also offers recreational activities such as badminton, ping-pong, tennis, horseshoes, croquet, softball, volleyball, basketball, marbles, and more. Recreational building is open during the summer months. Recreational equipment may be checked out at park office.
Tour Buses
Tour buses are welcome. However, there is a one-lane bridge that will not accommodate vehicles over 30 feet. Buses can access day use areas, cabins and camping but will not be able to cross the narrow bridge to access the backside of the lake and the Overton Lodge group camp.
Annual Events
Standing Stone State Park hosts a full year of activities like the Annual Easter Egg Hunt (March - April), Spring Naturalist Rally (April), Camper's Night Light Contest (August-September), National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship & Festival (September), the Annual Standing Stone Car Show (October), and the Standing Stone 5-mile Run (November).
2008 Easter Eggs Hunt Flyer (.pdf format)
2008 Spring Naturalist Rally Schedule (.pdf format)
Special Event Schedule for 2008 (.pdf format)
Rolley Hole
The National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship & Festival is a one of a kind event, as previously featured by ESPN, ABC evening News, Sports Illustrated, Charles Kurault and CBS, Smithsonian Institution, CNN, National Geographic, Southern Living Magazine, and many more... Held annually each September, Standing Stone State Park's Rolley Hole Marbles Tournament is the world's most challenging marble tournament where only the finest players in the world can hope to compete. Rolley Hole is a traditional marble game played by the men and women who live in the Kentucky/Tennessee area that is around Standing Stone State Park. For more information about the marble tournament, please contact park office.
The National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship next scheduled competition to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008.
Camping
Standing Stone State Park's campground offers 36 tent and trailer sites, each equipped with a table, charcoal grill, water hookups, and 20, 30, 50 amperage electrical hookups. RVs are limited to 45 feet. Although the campground is open year round, two central bathhouses, one with a washer and dryer, have hot showers, commodes, and lavatories to serve the campground guests, and are open April to November. There is one central dump station above the entrance to the campground for self-contained trailer rigs.
Sites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis, and maximum stay limit is two weeks. The Park honors Golden Access Cards for disabled and/or senior citizens discount. The campground provides accessibility to persons with disability. Ice is available at park office.
Backcountry camping is not allowed in park.
Dogs, cats and other pets are prohibited unless they are on a leash or under physical restrictive control at all times. Pack animals are not allowed in the park.
Notice: Any vehicle over 30 feet must enter park by Highway 52. Park contains one-lane bridge.
Hiking Trails
Standing Stone State Park offers over 8 miles of day-use hiking trails, providing access to some of the park's loveliest areas. Trails range from easy to strenuous and pass into virgin woods, through vivid wildflowers and over-flowing streams, and around beautiful Standing Stone Lake. Remember, all plants, animals and natural features are protected. Please leave them for others to enjoy!
Trails are open daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset and are open year-round. Overnight camping and pack animals are not allowed on trails.
Hikers may inquire in the Park Office about maps for open trails.
Group Lodge
Standing Stone has four group lodges available:
Group Lodge 1 has 5 doubles beds and 6 single bunk beds, and accommodates up to 16 people. It also includes 2 bathrooms, a gas log fireplace, an outside charcoal grill, air-conditioning and is equipped with a modern kitchen and basic appliances. This lodge is available April through October and does not have heat.
Group Lodge 2 has 8 double beds and accommodates up to 16 people. It has 2 bathrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, a large outside charcoal grill, air-conditioning and is equipped with a modern kitchen and basic appliances. This lodge available April through October and does not have heat.
Group Lodge 3 has 6 double beds and accommodates up to 12 people. It includes 2 bathrooms, a gas log fireplace, an outside charcoal grill, central heat and air, and is equipped with a modern kitchen and basic appliances. This lodge is available year-round.
The Overton Lodge is "T-shaped" with 48 single bunk beds. It includes 2 large bathrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, a large outside charcoal grill, air-conditioning, and is equipped with an industrial kitchen area with commercial appliances. The Overton Lodge is secluded on the other side of the lake, which makes it great for church groups and large family reunions. It is approximately 10 minutes from the day use area. This lodge is available April through October.
Cabin Descriptions and Capacities (.pdf format)
All lodges are completely equipped for housekeeping including appliances, all cooking and serving utensils and linens. There are no televisions, microwaves, or telephones in the lodges, except for one payphone at the Overton Lodge. Lodges may be reserved two years in advance. Lodge rentals, with the exception of the Overton Lodge, include free passes to the pool, when pool is in operation.
Cabins
Standing Stone is equipped with three types of cabins: Rustic (A-AA), Timberlodge (AA), Modern (AAA). The park has 14 Rustic Cabins that vary in accommodation in size and layout. The smallest of these includes 2 single beds, and the largest includes 4 double beds, with various arrangements in between. The Rustic cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, but not heat. They are available to rent April through October. Each of the 3 Timberlodge cabins include kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people. These are open year-round, and have both heat and air-conditioning. The park has 4 Modern cabins, which each has 3 double beds and 2 single beds. The Modern cabins are open year-round as well, and are equipped with heat and air-conditioning.
Rustic and Timberlodge cabins have gas log fireplaces.
Cabin Descriptions and Capacities (.pdf format)
All cabins are completely equipped for housekeeping including appliances, all cooking and serving utensils and linens. There are no televisions, microwaves, or telephones in the cabins. All cabins have charcoal grills. Only one Modern cabin is available to accommodate pets, and has an extra charge. Otherwise, NO pets are allowed in cabins.
PetPolicy
Cabins may be reserved two years in advance.
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and checkout is at 10:00 am. Cabin rentals include free passes to the pool, when pool is in operation.
Boating
Aluminum fishing boats with paddles may be rented at the park office year-round. Patrons may bring their own electric trolling motor and battery for the boats. Boating on Standing Stone Lake is permitted during daylight hours only. Private boats are not allowed at Standing Stone State Park. There is no boat ramp available to the general public.
Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)
Fishing
Year-round fishing on the lovely, 69-acre Standing Stone Lake is a popular activity among park guests. Wildlife is abundant with common sightings of beavers, deer, ducks, frogs and turtles.
Visitors may fish from the bank of Standing Stone Lake and enjoy catching a variety of fish such as large-mouth bass, blue gill, crappie, lake trout and catfish.
Visitors must follow all TN Boating and Fishing Regulations. Valid TN Fishing license is required. All TWRA rules apply.
In addition, Dale Hollow Lake is only five miles from the park, and offers some of the finest fishing and water recreation in the state.
Picnic Facilities
Standing Stone State Park has 17 open picnic sites with tables and charcoal grills provided. These picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are 8 picnic pavilions that accommodate 30 - 75 people each. The pavilions are sheltered, and have concrete floors and charcoal grills. 5 pavilions require reservations and 3 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call or visit park office for reservations. Reservations can be made up to 2 years in advance.
Most all picnic areas are near water restrooms and playgrounds.
Swimming
Standing Stone State Park has an Olympic size pool with one low dive and a kiddie pool.
The pool opens Memorial Day, and closes no later than Labor Day. The pool provides accessibility to persons with disability. Separate bathhouses for men and women are located adjacent to pool area with available showers and changing rooms. A snack bar provides food and soft drinks. The pool is located within walking distance of cabins and camping via a paved foot trail.
Notice: Pool closed weekdays near the end of summer when lifeguards are unavailable.
Meeting Facility
The Tea Room at Standing Stone is the only conference-style meeting room available. It can accommodate up to 80 people and is approximately 800 sq ft. It has a large 200 sq ft cooking area equipped with modern stove, sink, and refrigerator, but does not have pots and pans for guest use. The Tea Room also includes a large back deck and 5 picnic tables outside. Great views of the Park Lake and natural scenery make it an ideal location for wedding receptions, family reunions and small conferences.
Reservations accepted up to 2 years in advance. The Tea Room is open April 1 through December 31.
Gift Shop
A visit to Standing Stone State Park would not be complete without a visit to our gift shop where guests can choose from a wide range of clothing, hats, mugs and various unique park souvenirs. There is a gift to suit every budget and anyone who could not join you on your visit! Gift Shop is located in the Park Office and is open year around.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre at Standing Stone has a scenic background and can be utilized for meetings, campfires, musical gatherings, and even small weddings. It seats around 100 people, and requires a park reservation. Call or visit park office for reservations.
Cummings Mill Falls, located in Putnam County, Tennessee is as hidden as a waterfall can get.
From Crossville take I40 West to Cookeville. Take the Willow Ave Exit. Turn right at end of exit. Continue through Cookeville on Willow avenue. After you pass college continue about 15 miles to Cummings Mill Rd. Turn Left. Continue about 7 miles, go over bridge and look for pull over areas on your right. Follow paths to falls.
