My friends and I went there yesterday. Unfortunately we arrived 10 min before the museum closed…read morefor lunch. That was disappointing that the staff couldn't divide and conquer so that it could stay open. The map of the park wasn't the best and as a state park, would've thought it would be better. However, it's relatively small so unlikely for most people to get lost. The map didn't even indicate that there was a numbered path to follow. I guess if the people hadn't been in a rush to close for lunch they would've told us that. We tried to find each marker but we also don't know how many there were cause again, the map didn't indicate them at all. Nice park to walk around, picnic, and just relax.

I love this location! I remember coming here in…read morekindergarten for a field trip and the actors for the re-enactments were so amazing! Because this made my childhood spark a love for our History here, I come here quite often as an adult. The museum is very interesting and although it's not the largest exhibit, they definitely keep you wowed. Also, the trail is beautiful. It's very fun and relaxing to walk a trail surrounded by nature. Not to mention, the water next to the trail is so beautiful and there's always ducks chilling out. Their garden in the center of the park is so beautiful and the amount of wild life (squirrels, rabbits, birds, etc) is amazing. It's so cute, too! I actually enjoy taking photos here with my camera! I do a lot of photoshoots here and this is a wonderful spot because there's such an abundance of locations. It's a perfect spot for photographers during every season! The "town" where they do most of the re-enactments is so beautiful. It's very interesting as well to see how we used to live so many years ago. The staff is very friendly when you go inside of the museum and are very helpful if you have any questions. I love this place, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Every-time I come to this park there is always multiple dogs off leash. I find it strange due to…read moreTennessee having a leash law and the park itself is suppose to have a leash rule. I see multiple "park rangers" driving around, but non of the seem to want and or try to enforce said law or rule. I personally always have my dogs on a leash because it's the LAW. I can not enjoy a nice walk at this beautiful state park cause I am always on edge thinking some off leash dog is going to come running up on me and my dogs.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park was founded in 1976. It has 70 acres, a visitors center, a…read moremuseum, an amphitheater, 2 miles of hiking trails, an abortorium, a butterfly garden, and several historic structures. It has a reconstruction of Fort Watuaga, and one of the oldest still-standing homes in the state. Being in the upper, tippy top, northeastern corner of Tennessee, this one was longer for us to get to than many other parks. When I commented as to such, the park ranger quipped, "Yeah, we're so far in the top corner that people forget about us!" That being said, this park has the best museum we've probably seen. It's gorgeous and incredibly well done. We came at exactly the right time of year because it was beautiful and all of the flowers were fully in bloom.

A functional space with paved trails and various playground and picnic facilities, this offers some…read morenice views of surrounding mountains. It is utilitarian, but serves a purpose.

I got to visit the park while in town to see family, and it was so fun we went back twice! There…read moreare multiple playgrounds, swing sets, and even workout equipment for the adults. The paths are great too, and it is all in a beautiful setting. The kids really enjoyed it here and I did as well. It's a great spot!

We were on a long road trip and looking for spots to stop, stretch our legs, and give the kids a…read morebreak from the car. This was the perfect stop! We loved riding the chair lift down to the tunnel and, wow, what an impressive sight! The river was beautiful and our kids loved wading in just a bit to cool off before heading back up the lift. The ranger service was wonderful with lots of tips and activities for the kids to do on small, manageable hikes. The kids also enjoyed playing on the train engine displayed near the parking lot. Definitely a great spot to visit even just to ride the lift down to the tunnel and back up!

Clearly, this place is marketed to resemble Natural Bridge, Virginia's better known (and frankly,…read moremore impressive) attraction. The park here is set up with a number of camping facilities and trails that have a separate entrance, while the attraction itself is accessible by parking at a visitor center and either walking down a fairly steep trail or taking a (seasonal) chairlift. On the dreary day I visited, there was barely a soul in sight, but the park seemed to be setting up for a winter lights festival. The tunnel itself is used for a railroad line, and a viewing platform allows you to go to the edge of the tunnel but you can't actually go through it, which is disappointing. The trail downstream through the gorge is pleasant and worth a brief jaunt but it terminates quickly. Those seeking more of a hike will find the ridge trail that heads upwards worthwhile, and the views of the tunnel from above are probably at least as good as what you'd get walking up close to it. The local Lover's Leap is majestic (and horrifying, if you think about it). I did not think it one of the more impressive state parks in either Virginia or in the the confluence of states in this region, but there are some nice things to see.

We just had our second stay here and it really gets better each visit. There's constantly something…read morenew to discover or that's improved. We really enjoyed the secret lake trails, amazing playground and marina restaurant this visit.

Been there a million times. Even though it's changed alot through the year's it's a beautiful…read moreplace.

This is a pretty nice trail. We rode about 16 miles, and I was told it's roughly 20 miles total. At…read moreone point it goes through a town area, which can get pretty busy to ride through. There are a few food spots along the route, like Jersey Mike's, if you want to stop for a bite. They also had porta potties available along the trail and a parking lot at the starting point, which was convenient. Along the way, we saw a cute little caterpillar making its way across the path and even a few horses in a meadow, which was a nice touch.

Nice trail for sure! I love to jog here, and it's also a great place to ride my bicycle. Very…read morescenic and peaceful path connecting Johnson City and Elizabethton.

This campground was completely destroyed by Helene. They are working to try and restore the park…read more As far as camping, they have not given a time line as to when they will even begin on fixing camp sites again.

We have family in the area and came across this jewel while visiting. The grounds are well…read moremaintained. There are nice FHU and rustics sites with several miles of dog-friendly trails. This is not a large State Park but it has a lot to offer. The historical site is a short walk from the campground and contains a plethora of information. The rangers are very friendly and gladly answer any questions as well as giving nature hikes and historical tours. The sites slope downhill toward the river but get leveler the closer you are to be the river. Large Motorhomes will want to avoid the first row (closest to the road) and possibly the second row. You will definitely need a few more leveling blocks on these rows. The last two rows are not too bad with few to no leveling blocks needed. We found Verizon and AT&T Cell and Data Services to work well. The park offers free WiFi that is readily usable most of the day. Note: If you have a long trailer or Motorhome, say 30' or more. There are several routes to get here coming off of 11E. Make sure and call the campground for directions. You want to follow the route from the Limestone area that takes you under the railroad tracks. Otherwise, you will be on some uncomfortable narrow curvy roads.

This is a beautiful little park in the center of town along the Doe River at the foot of the…read moreElizabethton Covered Bridge - it seems to be a gathering place and a roadside attraction, there were a number of tourists visiting the park during our time here. There's an old band stand in the middle of the park with scattered seating and a few charcoal grills so I'm sure they host local musical events throughout the year - lots of shade and a great spot to take a driving break or a picnic. If there is any negative here it's the port-a-potty restrooms (they are disgusting) so I suggest doing your business before arriving and not even think about opening the doors to peep inside. If you can avoid these you'll have a wonderful time here I'm sure...

Spanning both sides of the Doe River and bordered by Elk Avenue, this is a 2.25 acre park that…read moreincludes a small fountain, two pavilions, a gazebo, picnic tables, a large multi use stage and of course, the historic Doe River Covered Bridge. The park has a small gazebo and a large multi-use stage that is the site for not just weddings but also festivals. Several bands and jamborees are already scheduled for 2021. On the west side of the river is a tree stump with a marker denoting "In 1772, the first court west of the Alleghanies [sic] was held under this tree." And a second marker, "In 1772, Four years before the Declaration of Independence, settlers in the Watauga Valley adopted the first written constitution in North America." There is limited free parking at the park but there is more street parking in the surrounding area. Plan ahead and bring food for the numerous ducks and geese that hang out here. [Review 14963 overall, 465 of 2021, number 266 in Tennessee.]