True Outdoors in Northeast Tennessee
Planning on staying close to home for vacation? Here’s a guide to the outdoors of Northeast Tennessee.
Morning
Start off with a hike along the Appalachian Trail at Carvers Gap for 360 degree views from the Roan Highlands of Roan, Jane and Grassy Ridge Balds. Once you’ve seen the mountaintops, you’ll be ready to fly through the trees on one of the longest zip lines in the country at Off the Grid Mountain Adventures in Elizabethton. For guided hiking, schedule a trip with White Blaze Outdoors.
Lunch
The Captain’s Table is a favorite among locals as it overlooks one of Northeast Tennessee’s most scenic waterfronts. You’ll enjoy lunch with a view of Watauga Lake, as it chisels its way through the Appalachian Mountains and Cherokee National Forest.
Afternoon
Go off the beaten path to one of Northeast Tennessee’s secret waterfalls. Totaling 5.8 miles, out and back, Laurel Falls Trail in Hampton offers a big reward for both beginner and advanced hikers. Along the way, you’ll follow the river through cascades, rock walls, bridged crossings, and stone staircases through the succulent forest.
Evening
Kicking back in one of Northeast Tennessee’s trail towns is the perfect way to spend the evening. Head to downtown Erwin, for a variety of local and southern craft beer at Union Street Tap Room. Just a few steps down the street, you’ll findare variety of locally owned restaurants serving up tasty goodness. And, if you need to stock up on gear, Erwin Outdoor Supply is also located within walking distance.
Where to Stay
There’s nothing better than sleeping to the sounds of the Nolichucky River. Featured on Tiny House Nation and along the banks of the river, USA Raft and Mountain River Guides offer a variety of lodging options, as well as a primitive cabin and bunkhouse.
Day 2
Morning
Dip through the woods at Johnson City’s newest mountain bike park, Tannery Knobs, featuring trails ranging from beginner to advanced. The park is only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City, where you can even rent a bike to test out the trails. If you’d rather trade mountain biking for more panoramic views, Buffalo Mountain offers five options when it comes to hiking with views of the entire city. If you need to stock up on gear, Mahoney’s Outfitters is located close by.
Lunch
Downtown Johnson City is the perfect urban atmosphere with wide selection of locally owned restaurants ranging from tacos, German, Cuban, southern barbeque, Turkish, Indian, or even a quick bite from a food truck.
Afternoon
Tackle the outdoors with a course at Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute, a comprehensive outdoor school offering courses and instruction for all ability levels in a variety of disciplines including kayak, canoe, water safety and rescue, wilderness medicine, survival, hiking, and conservation. Or, if you can’t get enough of the Nolichucky River (one of the deepest gorges in the southeastern United States), head to the water with USA Raft.
Evening
Relax by a campfire and enjoy the sounds of a southern night, with a cowboy style meal prepared by USA Adventure Resort staff.
Day 3
Morning
The South Holston River is internationally known for brown trout fly fishing. Cast like a pro with lessons from South Holston River Company in Bristol, complete with a trip down the winding river as you hone the craft of fly fishing.
Lunch
Bristol is known as the Birthplace of Country Music, and a visit to downtown isn’t complete without sitting in the local dive where Hank Williams was known to have quick bite. The Burger Bar never disappoints with nearly 20 specialty burgers, and you won’t want to leave without taking an obligatory photo with one foot in Virginia and one foot in Tennessee under the iconic Bristol sign.
Afternoon
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium located in Kingsport features a quiet lake complete with barge rides, hiking and biking trails, ropes and zip lining courses, a nature center, planetarium theater, and animal habitats featuring wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles. Kingsport is known for a variety of things, but among the most famous is the Long Island Iced Tea. Visit nearly any restaurant downtown and taste for yourself the original recipe, complete with maple syrup.
Evening
Head to one of Tennessee’s oldest towns, Rogersville and you’ll find McKinney’s Restaurant & Tavern located inside the historic Hale Springs Inn (Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk stayed here). Or, Amis Mills Eatery sits on the historic Thomas Amis Estate and serves up some of the best Southern food you’ll find anywhere, all atop a hill that overlooks a stunning stone dam and waterfall.
Close to Home
Asheville, NC 65 miles 1 hour
Atlanta, GA 269 miles 4.5 hours
Chattanooga, TN 218 miles 3.5 hours
Charlotte, NC 157 miles 3.5 hours
Colombus, OH 445 miles 8 hours
Indianapolis, IN 440 miles 8 hours
Jacksonville, FL 500 miles 8.5 hours
Knoxville, TN 107 miles 1.5 hours
Lexington, KY 279 miles 4.5 hours
Memphis, TN 494 miles 9 hours
Nashville, TN 286 miles 5 hours
Washington, DC 410 miles 7 hours
Trip Ideas
For even more ways to plan your visit to Northeast Tennessee, see our additional trip ideas.
Remember to leave our trails with no trace, so adventures can last a lifetime.
