Standing Stone State Park CCC Camp Road Network
Depression-era CCC camp ruins and quarries
This 12-mile network of original CCC roads built in the 1930s connects the remnants of five work camps scattered through Standing Stone State Park’s 11,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau forest. The main route follows the old supply road from Camp SP-14 headquarters to the remote fire tower, passing stone quarry sites where CCC crews cut limestone blocks for park buildings. Side spurs lead to abandoned camp foundations, a hand-dug well that still flows, and the original entrance to Machine Falls cave system that workers used for cold storage.
Easy difficulty on maintained gravel roads suitable for any vehicle with decent ground clearance, though some connecting trails require high-clearance. The route stays open year-round except during ice storms. No permits required, with designated camping areas throughout the park. This is living history—you’re driving the same roads that transported 200 young men who built Tennessee’s state park system during the Great Depression, with plenty of their stonework still standing.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Livingston, TN |
| Land manager | Tennessee State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | tnstateparks.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock crossover or SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock SUV or even a capable AWD crossover can handle this without issue — it's 12 miles of graded gravel with 600 feet of elevation gain and no technical obstacles. Low clearance is not a concern here.
When does the park close for winter, and is the CCC road network accessible year-round?
Best season runs March through November. While Standing Stone State Park stays open year-round, winter ice and snow on the plateau can make the gravel roads slick and occasionally impassable — call the park at (931) 823-6347 before a winter visit.
Is there a fee to drive the CCC camp road network?
No permit or fee is required to drive the road network — Tennessee State Parks does not charge a day-use entry fee at Standing Stone. Standard camping fees apply if you're staying overnight.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
There's no genuinely hard section — this is an easy scenic drive rated for stock vehicles. The gravel can get loose and washboarded after rain, but nothing that warrants concern for any 4WD or AWD vehicle.
Is there any cell service on trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is spotty throughout — don't count on it for navigation or emergencies. Download offline maps before you leave. Livingston, TN is roughly 10 miles away and has multiple gas stations.
Trail track
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