Northeast Tennessee is a captivating blend of untouched natural beauty, historic charm, and urban artistry. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or city explorer, here’s your definitive guide to capturing the region’s most unforgettable spots for your Instagram:
1. Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
With over 3,500 acres of natural beauty, Bays Mountain Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas. Capture panoramic shots from scenic overlooks, or get close-ups of local wildlife at the nature preserve. The serene lake at the park’s heart is especially photogenic during sunrise, when mist drapes softly across the landscape.
2. Buffalo Mountain Park, Johnson City
Rugged trails at Buffalo Mountain Park wind upward, rewarding hikers with dramatic views overlooking Johnson City and the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Sunset transforms the mountain into a spectacular display of light and shadow, perfect for photos that encapsulate the quiet yet powerful beauty of East Tennessee.
3. Doe Mountain Firetower, Mountain City
Perched atop Doe Mountain, this firetower offers breathtaking panoramic vistas that capture the essence of untouched wilderness. Climb to the top for dramatic views of surrounding valleys, lush forests, and distant peaks that create the perfect backdrop for captivating landscape shots. The tower itself, with its rugged and rustic charm, provides a striking contrast against the natural beauty below.
4. Bristol Hotel, Downtown Bristol
The Bristol Hotel stands as an elegant symbol of the city’s revitalization. Its rooftop bar provides unmatched views of Bristol’s bustling cityscape, making it ideal for urban photography. Inside, its sophisticated, Art Deco-inspired interiors blend historic architecture and modern luxury, offering countless opportunities for stylish and unique shots.
5. South Holston Lake Dam, Bristol
The South Holston Lake Dam provides a striking juxtaposition of natural splendor and human engineering. The expansive lake surrounded by mountain ridges is perfect for scenic landscape photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when colors dance across the water, illuminating the dam’s impressive structure.
6. Kingsport Selfie Trail
The Kingsport Selfie Trail curated by Visit Kingsport is a fun, engaging way to explore the city’s most photogenic spots. Follow the trail to discover vibrant murals, charming historic landmarks, and unique art installations that offer endless opportunities for playful, creative selfies and group photos. Each stop along the trail provides distinct backgrounds, perfect for capturing memories while showcasing Kingsport’s artistic flair and community spirit.
7. Watauga Lake, Carter County
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Watauga Lake is a hidden gem renowned for its picturesque setting. With pristine, glass-like water reflecting the forested mountain slopes, each image here captures tranquility and serenity. Whether it’s a sunrise kayak ride or sunset from the shoreline, Watauga Lake offers endless photographic inspiration.
8. Viking Mountain’s Black Stack Cliffs, Cherokee National Forest
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Perched high in the Cherokee National Forest, Viking Mountain’s Black Stack Cliff overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of Greene County and beyond. This scenic destination is a gateway to adventure, with access to the Appalachian Trail and miles of rugged beauty waiting to be explored. Whether you’re driving up for a peaceful overlook, hiking through the lush wilderness, or capturing the stunning mountain vistas, Viking Mountain is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene escape into nature.
9. Beauty Spot, Appalachian Trail
Tucked within the Cherokee National Forest near Erwin, Beauty Spot is a captivating destination renowned for its wide-open vistas and extraordinary natural beauty. With sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains, this picturesque spot is especially magical at sunrise or sunset, as golden hour bathes the landscape in warm hues. Its expansive grassy bald provides the ideal backdrop for stunning landscape photography, vibrant nature portraits, or simply capturing serene moments immersed in nature.
10. Tweetsie Trail, Johnson City to Elizabethton
Stretching between Johnson City and Elizabethton, the Tweetsie Trail offers a scenic journey perfect for casual explorers and avid photographers alike. Capture historic trestle bridges, lush wooded paths, and pastoral views of local farms. Every mile of this picturesque trail provides gentle reminders of the region’s history and peaceful, rural charm.
From vibrant city scenes and adrenaline-packed events to tranquil natural beauty and historical landmarks, Northeast Tennessee invites you to discover and document its extraordinary character and charm.
Written by Ryan Shipley for Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.
