Hollow Rock is one of the most unusual rock formations in Tennessee. First of all, there aren't any other rock formations on the area, leading to speculation this might be an ancient meteorite (although it does seem to be made of native sandstone). The rock is about 50 feet long, 10 feet tall and 15 feet wide. See the circular hole in the front? It's called hollow rock as the hole in one end of a tunnel which runs all the way through it. Also along the top it forms a miniature bridge.
Historically, there is evidence the hollow rock was used by Indians as shelter for centuries as the interior of the tunnel has been charred by smoke from many fires. There is a creek that runs through the area about ten five feet to the right of the photo, so this area also became a popular camping and hunting spot for the earliest white settlers. In the earliest days of railroad travel, this area became a water tank stop for steam locomotives, as the tracks are about 50 feet away, with the modern Bruceton Yard also nearby. Eventually, the nearby town of Sandy Bridge was renamed Hollow Rock.
Today, the Rock and nearby grounds are opened as a city park, although perhaps a slightly run down one. The place seems like it's in the middle of nowhere, but I had looked it up before I left home, so I knew for sure I was at the right place. The paved driveway gives way to a dirt road. Once here, the old bridge over the stream seemed a bit creaky. But the worst part was how much graffiti has been sprayed on this thing. Even with all that, about the only people who seem to know about it are the locals, so you can be the first of your friends to check it out if you're ever in Carroll County.
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