Outdoor Recreation

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Northeast Tennessee has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, but what you may not know about is the abundance of waterfalls throughout the region – beautiful, breathtak

Snake through the Tennessee mountains, through “Stoney Creek” and across into the pastoral Shady Valley. From there, it’s on up to the extraordinary Backbone Rock, with outcroppings, hiking trails, and beautiful photo ops. Continue into Damascus, home of the Virginia Creeper Trail, and return through peaceful Mountain City, beside the beautiful Watauga Lake.

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Located 3 miles off I-26. A 3,550-acre nature preserve with state of the art planetarium, 44-acre lake, live animal habitats, 36 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking and much more. Public programs each Sat. & Sun., and daily during the summer. Park hours: 8:30am-5:00pm. Extended hours during the summer. No pets allowed. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Day. Call for more information. AC. TC & CC accepted at gift shop.

Wedding Planning

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Located 4 miles from I-26. 200-acre municipal park. Featuring .5-mile flat walking/jogging track and a 1.5-mile paved lighted nature trail in the wooded section of the park. Handicap accessible fishing along our lighted boardwalk on the lakefront. Multi-use picnic tables, playground area, batting cage, sand volleyball courts, historical section featuring the Robert Young Cabin, Massengill Monument and Quillen Historical Tree Museum, grass amphitheatre, and a 9-hole disc golf course. Open to the public daily. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm. F/HA.

Geocaching

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Located 17 miles from I-26. Lakeshore Marina is a full-service facility easily accessible from US Highway 321. Enjoy fishing in the clean waters of Watauga Lake, or treat yourself to a memorable picturesque ride in one of our rental ski or pontoon boats. We also offer complete mooring service, live bait, dry docking and licenses can be purchased on site. Enjoy a stay in one of our cabins on the lake. Restaurant and lounge open Mar.-Oct. Wed. - Sun. Marina hours: 8am - 4:30pm winter season; 8am - 6pm summer season.

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Located 2 miles off I-81. Warriors' Path State Park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. Since that time, the parkland has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. Park features hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bike trails, boating, water skiing, fishing, boat ramps, 18 hole golf course, playground, swimming pool, 22 hole disc golf course and pets welcome. Fishing boats, paddle boats, and canoes rentals available.

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Fishing Regulations: Non-resident licenses: Junior (ages 13-15) $9.00; Adult (no trout) 3-Day $16.50; 10-Day $25.50; or Annual (no trout) $41.00; Adult All fish including trout: 3-Day $33.50; 10-Day $50.50; or Annual $81.00; No licenses needed for children under 12 years of age.

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Boating Regulations: All boats equipped with any type of motor or sail must be registered. Boat owners from another state, can use their vessel on Tennessee waters with their state's current registration for 60 days.

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Located 5 miles from I-81. Over 2,000 acre park, picnicking, grills, fishing, hiking, golf course, nature center, paddleboats available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tennessee's third largest municipal park. Open: 9am-9pm. daily. AC. L/HA.

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Located 20 miles off I-26. 6,285 ft. elev. and the "world's largest natural stand of Rhododendron gardens" (600 acres). 30 AAA cabins, 87 campsites with water and electrical hookups. 20 tent sites with community water. Dump station, picnic tables, charcoal grills and 6 bathhouses with hot showers, grills, playground, laundromat, pay phone, pets welcome, fishing, swimming pool, and tennis. Open year round for self-contained campers, tent camping. PC, TC & CC accepted. L/HA.