Elizabethton, Tennessee

Worley’s Cave, also known as Morrill Cave, lies just outside of Boone across the Tennessee border. It is the second longest cave in the state of Tennessee at a whopping 4.4 miles in total length. It is a non-lit cavern that’s path is lit only by those who venture in its depths (i.e. headlamps, la...

The Hike to Dennis Cove Falls includes three water crossings and passes several small waterfalls. Sturdy cables spanning the width of the water crossings provide a fun way of traversing the creek without wading. It is completely possible to wade through the creek while holding onto the cables for...

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 ...

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...

From TN 91, turn onto Panhandle Road. Follow Panhandle for 1 mile and park in the parking lot to the left.  Waterfall Follow the path to your right downwards until you encounter wooden stairs. The main waterfall will be to your right less than .1 mile from the parking lot. There are two other wat...

The Bouton Trail Loop is an approximately 1.5 mile round trip on TVA land. There is a gravel parking lot with an information sign and trail map. Sections of the trail are gravel and sections are dirt. There are multiple places along the trail that cut off and lead down to the river for prime fish...

The Emmett Trail is one of the TVA South Holston Tailwater Trails. This trail began as a footpath created by anglers. The trail now has gravel, which makes for easier access for families and pets. The trailhead begins on Piney Hill Road where it the traverses down to the waters edge and leads to ...

The Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.

Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early ...

Gray Quarry is a perfect destination for scuba diving in TN! The quarry is about 70 feet deep with ~3 acres of clear water. They have sunk a plane, bus, truck, firetruck, boat, seedoos, and more to the bottom. There is also a large variety of aquatic animals in the quarry. This is an awesome, loc...

Unaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...

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...

This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...

Towering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...

Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...

Beauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...