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Bristol, Tennessee

Looking for the best hiking in Bristol? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Bristol. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Bristol

  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    2.43 mi / 449 ft gain
    Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Overlook

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 876 ft gain
    The White Rock trailhead is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Johnson City. When pulling up Highbridge Road, take a left at the fork. You will shortly encounter a vehicle gate where you will park to the side of the road (do not block the yellow vehicle gate). You have the option to walk ...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Hike to Tip Top on Buffalo Mountain

    4.0
    5.4 mi / 1388 ft gain
    Tip Top rests on one of the highest points of Buffalo Mountain. The overlook features tree coverage perfect for hammocking and benches while providing views of Downtown Johnson City as well as the other side of the mountain range. The hike from the trailhead to Tip Top is moderately steep. The tr...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Loop

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 1457 ft gain
    White Rock Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Fork Knob, White Rock and The Noggin Loop

    5.0
    3.12 mi / 1220 ft gain
    The Fork Knob and White Rock Loop in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.12 miles. The trail is marked by a variety of natural features, including a prominent rock formation known as White Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surroundi...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Sunset Point

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 223 ft gain
    Sunset Point is an overlook located in Buffalo Mountain State Park. The trail is a short hike up along the White Rock loop trail then a short walk off the trail to get to the overlook. There is a clearing with a few benches that has wide open views to the west. The short hike up to the point shou...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Trail Loop

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 728 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bay's Mountain Firetower

    4.8
    3.67 mi / 768 ft gain
    Bay's Mountain Firetower overlooks the city of Kingsport, the South Fork Holston River, and the surrounding Tennessee mountains. Part of Bay's Mountain State Park, this is the most popular hike of the 25 miles of trails. The hike to the fire tower passes the Kingsport Reservoir which is essential...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi / 469 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop

    5.0
    4.79 mi / 879 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail

    3.25 mi / 1253 ft gain
    Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower via Fire Tower Road

    5.0
    3.47 mi / 663 ft gain
    Pinnacle Mountain hosts one of the nicest fire towers on the East Coast of the United States. The fire tower is relatively new, sturdy, and has a large 360 degree viewing area at the top. The tower overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buffalo Mountain...
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  • Church Hill, Tennessee

    Laurel Run Trail

    5.0
    3.96 mi / 712 ft gain
    Laurel Run Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Church Hill, Tennessee.
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  • Duffield, Virginia

    Hike the Devil's Bathtub

    5.0
    3.96 mi / 250 ft gain
    The Devil’s Bathtub is a deep pool of blue-green water known for being a great swimming hole and a beautiful natural feature. This hike is a 3.2 mile out and back hike with 250 feet elevation gain. There are at least 15 stream crossings, so extreme caution should be taken during periods of mediu...
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  • Elk Park, North Carolina

    Elk River Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 62 ft gain
    The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. From this point its about a .2 mile long walk to th...
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  • Appalachian Trail, Tennessee

    Jones Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    10.65 mi / 2484 ft gain
    Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnific...
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