Outdoor Recreation

America's First Frontier is still out there in the rolling Appalachian mountains of Northeast

Tennessee. From whitewater madness to the serenity of a mountain-fed creek, you're never far from a day of outdoor bliss. Four Tennessee state parks are just the beginning of your outdoor adventure. Rafting takes you into the deepest gorge in the Southeast. And trophy tail waters abound, offering rainbow, brown and brook trout.

Learn about nature near a lake complete with its own nature center and planetarium, framed on all sides by mountain ridges. The curious will love a nearby spring with it’s own unique claim: In 2 hours and 47 minutes, the flow ranges from a trickle to 500 gallons-per-minute! A short drive away, the outdoorsy can camp next to world's largest natural stand of Rhododendron gardens. Trek the great balds of this unspoiled paradise and stay a night or two in this idyllic sanctuary.

USA Raft

Whether you're looking for a relaxing family float trip or an extreme whitewater adventure you'll find half-day, full-day and multi-day trips to fit your time and budget at USA Raft.

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2 Jones Branch Road
Erwin
TN
37650
Phone: 
866-872-7238

SHOOTER’S EDGE, LLC

Shooters Edge Indoor Range and Training Center is the Southeast’s foremost state of the art firearms training facility.  We welcome both experienced shooters and novices.  Bring you

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413 Century Court (Tri County Industrial Park)
Piney Flats
TN
37686
Phone: 
423-538-3343

Waterfalls

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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

The Snake Ride

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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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

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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853 Bays Mountain Park Road
Kingsport
TN
37660
Phone: 
423-229-9447

Winged Deer Park

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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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242 Carroll Creek Road
Johnson City
TN
37605
Phone: 
423-283-5829

Watauga Lakeshore Marina, Inc.

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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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2285 Highway 321
Hampton
TN
37658
Phone: 
423-725-2223

Warriors' Path State Park

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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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490 Hemlock Road
Kingsport
TN
37663
Phone: 
423-239-8531

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

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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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3030 Wildlife Way
Morristown
TN
37814
Phone: 
800-332-0900

Tennessee Valley Authority - Lakes & Dams

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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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106 Tri-Cities Business Park Drive
Gray
TN
37615
Phone: 
800-238-2264

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Get the inside scoop from our local know-it-all, including little-known back-stories and insider information along the SunnySide Trail.

Doorways to Northeast Tennessee

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