Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area
Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area Location in Tennessee
Location	Rhea County, Tennessee
Nearest city	Spring City
Area	783 acres (3.17 km2)
Established	1973

Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area is a special natural place in Tennessee. It's located in Rhea County, Tennessee, close to a town called Spring City. This area is protected because it has important natural features, like a beautiful waterfall.

Discover Stinging Fork Falls

Stinging Fork Falls is a cool place to explore! The main attraction is a stunning waterfall. It drops about 30 feet (9 meters) down into a pool below.

Hiking to the Waterfall

To see the waterfall up close, you can hike along a trail. The trail is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long from the parking area. It leads you right to the bottom of Stinging Fork Falls. Imagine the sound of the water as you get closer!

The Cumberland Trail Connection

There are plans to connect Stinging Fork Falls to a much longer hiking path called the Cumberland Trail. This will make it easier for even more people to visit and enjoy this natural wonder.

Protecting Stinging Fork Falls

This natural area covers a large space, about 783 acres (317 square kilometers). It's owned by the State of Tennessee. This means it's a public space that everyone can enjoy.

Who Manages the Area?

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation takes care of Stinging Fork Falls. Their job is to make sure the area stays healthy and beautiful for plants, animals, and visitors.

How It Became a Protected Area

Before the State of Tennessee owned it, the land belonged to a company called Bowater Paper Company. Bowater used to set aside special places like this as "Pocket Wildernesses." These were small, wild areas where people could go to enjoy nature. In 1973, Stinging Fork Falls officially became a State Natural Area, ensuring its protection for the future.