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carter county

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Choose an activity icon below to search by activity type or see what all Carter County has to offer!

hiking

find your new favorite trail

Located at the base of Holston Mountain, this series of three waterfalls is a local favorite and just a short hike from the parking area. Access it easily from TN-91....
Laurel Fork Falls is a majestic waterfall within the Pond Mountain Wilderness. The area is crossed by the Appalachian Trail and offers a rugged experience....
Looking for a beautiful and short hike? Try heading north toward the spectacular bald of Roan Mountain where on a clear day you can see into NC and VA....

biking

rails-to-trails and Mountain Biking

Park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy...
This 10 mile crushed gravel rail-trail between Johnson City and Elizabethton is a favorite of walkers, runners and cyclists. It honors the history of the ET&WNC Railroad, also known as...
The Watershed Trails are a series of of easy, intermediate, and difficult singletrack located in Hampton, just off HWY 321 and 19E. The trails offer a variety of beautiful views...

Water Sports

Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, and More

The Watauga River flows westward from Grandfather Mountain, NC into Tennessee, providing world-class trout fishing as well as rafting and kayaking opportunities before emptying into Boone Lake near Johnson City. ...
Wilbur is a hidden gem for fisherman, paddlers, and anyone looking for a quiet spot to relax. Formed by the tailwater of Watauga Dam and impounded by the smaller Wilbur...
Watauga Dam, completed in 1948, created a reservoir which is used for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities in addition to flood control and hydroelectric power through the TVA....

fishing

pristine waters and a trophy trout stream

Watauga Dam, completed in 1948, created a reservoir which is used for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities in addition to flood control and hydroelectric power through the TVA....
Park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy...
The Doe River flows from Roan Mountain to Elizabethton, offering abundant fishing and kayaking opportunities along the way. ...

History

Experience the past

The reconstruction of the 18th century Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park often features living history and other educational programs. The fort also acts as a backdrop to...
This self-guided walking tour will take you on a stroll to see landmarks that have played a significant role in Elizabethton’s rich history and learn the stories behind them. Guide...
The oldest frame house in Tennessee, the Carter Mansion, was the home of pioneers John and Landon Carter. Built between 1775 and 1780, this home is the site of several...

Birding

wildlife viewing in beautiful landscapes

Managed by the US Forest Service, the Pond Mountain Wilderness is a rugged area that contains a number of streams, waterfalls, and trails. The Appalachian Trail crosses the area with...
Park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy...
Wilbur is a hidden gem for fisherman, paddlers, and anyone looking for a quiet spot to relax. Formed by the tailwater of Watauga Dam and impounded by the smaller Wilbur...