Outdoor Parks
 The shores of
Watauga Lake, the groves of Catawba Rhododendrons atop Roan Mountain, and the pristine, roaring rivers all combine to create some truly stunning mountain scenery and gorgeous landscapes. Visitors come to our area to enjoy the excellent climate, fun things to do, and spectacular mountain scenery that abounds
in Northeast Tennessee. Here we have included some of the more popular outdoor things to do in the region and different attractions you can visit. We hope you enjoy all of the great hiking, biking and horseback riding trails here and relish the numerous opportunities for getting out and enjoying the outdoors.
Roan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens – Roan Mountain Tennessee sits at 6,285 feet above sea level and is the home of a gorgeous display of Catawba rhododendrons, in fact the largest natural display in the world. The gardens come into full
bloom in mid June and this region is the home of the famed Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival. Hiking and walking through this area is always
a great way to enjoy the spring and
summer months.
The Appalachian Trail is the world's longest footpath and stretches 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine. Part of this world renowned trail crosses through East Tennessee in Carter County and goes by the beautiful shore line of Watauga Lake on to Roan Mountain. This part of the trail is frequented
by hikers the area, and Erwin Tennessee is a common stopping point and outpost for hikers that are following the trail in its
entirety.
The Elizabethton and Carter County Chamber of Commerce offers a delightful walking trail and tour of Elizabethton's historic areas and homes. This is a great way to see many of the beautiful monuments, churches and other historical buildings and learn more about the town.
Hiking around Watauga Lake abounds and trails like the Little Milligan Loop Trail, the Gardens Bluff Trail, and the Watauga Point Trails offer spectacular views of the lake, its wildlife and native plant life.
Blue Hole Falls is a short and moderate trail that leads to two phenomenal 70
foot waterfalls that fall into the depths in two separate tiers. This area is full of scenic beauty, so be sure to bring along your camera.
Whitewater Rafting
 The Doe River flows in a 5.5 mile stretch between Hampton and Elizabethton and is a nice free flowing area. This region is great for fishing and has class I and II rapids for those looking to enjoy white water rafting or kayaking.
The Watauga River is a nice, friendly section of whitewater that begins just below the Wilbur Dam and goes past some scenic lands in Elizabethton. This river is great for a float trip and has only class I and II rapids. Portions of this 10 mile river are used for commercial rafting so be sure to inquire about the rafting guides that offer tours.
The Nolichucky River is a popular East Tennessee Whitewater Rafting river and a river that many local guide companies commercially raft. Perfect for kayakers and rafters in large groups, the Nolichucky River provides thrills and plenty of scenic beauty.
Mountain Biking
 The Watershed Trail is an 8 mile biking trail
in Hampton that is a single track. This area is recommended for intermediate and advanced bikers and ranges from dirt to rock surfaces and goes from flat to elevated hills. Free and open to the public, the Hampton Trails are always popular for mountain biking in East Tennessee.
The Erwin Linear Trail runs parallel to I-26 along North Indian Creek and the Nolichucky River waterways in Erwin, Tennessee. This biking trail is scenic and abounds with wildlife as it was designed to enhance the environment as well as provide a beautiful recreational space. This trail is perfect for hikers, dog walkers, bikers, joggers and children with their families.
Fishing
 Watauga Lake is not only an excellent place to camp, swim and boat, but also fish. Here anglers delight in catching bass, musky, catfish and mountain trout varieties. In Roan Mountain and Elizabethton, the Doe River also feeds several great fishing spots and streams in beautiful secluded areas.
The Nolichucky River is known as a world class smallmouth bass river, and some bass swimming in the river weigh more than 4 pounds. Fishermen also like to catch musky, crappie, and catfish in the Nolichucky, and when the water is cooler brown trout and rainbow trout are in abundance.
Just a short drive away in Unicoi County is the Erwin National Fish Hatchery which
supplies the river with fish and produces over 13 million eggs from four different strains to support the ponds. After a few years and a complicated process, fish are released and hand delivered to the Chestoa Bridge at the Nolichucky, creating some phenomenal fishing.
|
Golf |
Buffalo Valley
Johnson City, TN
423.928.1022
Set amidst some truly breathtaking scenery this Tennessee mountain golf course is located just south of Johnson City TN and offers year around golf on their challenging par 71, 6,700 yard course.
|
Pine Oaks
Johnson City, TN
423.283.5815
Pine Oaks is a par 71 course located in the heart of Johnson City, surrounded by the beautiful mountains in East Tennessee. Long renowned for its challenging yet fair layout this TN mountain course is always a favorite.
|
The Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course
185 Buck VanHuss Dr.
Elizabethton, TN
423.542.8051
|
|
|
If you have any questions or would like more information, please
phone us 423.282.5182 or
888.282.5182,
email us, or use our
online request form. |
