Outside in Carter County Tennessee

Photos | Resources | Weather | Hiking | Roan Mountain | Elizabethton | Scots-Irish | Watauga Lake | Waterfalls | Virtual Hike | Wildflowers | Wallpaper | About/Contact

Jenkins Mountain

Welcome! We live here and think Carter County Tennessee is one of the finest places in the world for those who love the outdoors. If it is outdoor Appalachian recreation you are looking for, here it is.

This is a hikers paradise with many easily accessible trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Overmountain Victory Trail. Watauga Lake is one of the nicest TVA reservoirs and grows the biggest trout in Tennessee.  Roan Mountain is arguably the most beautiful place on earth when the rhododendron bloom in June.  Local lakes, rivers and streams offer world class trout fishing. 

The Wilbur Dam controlled Watauga River has moderate whitewater for kayaks and rafting. The wild Doe River and Elk River offer mild to extreme kayak whitewater depending on the flow. Numerous waterfalls, gorges, and caverns dot the landscape. Deer, wild turkeys, bears, ruffed grouse and a diversity of other critters roam the mountain forests and valleys. Carter County is often among the top Tennessee counties for bears harvested per hunting season. View the photo gallery for pictures of the area. Find a road map here.

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There are many reasons for getting outside. Less crowded than the Smokies, there is still plenty of elbow room. All seasons have something to offer. Spring wildflowers, summer water fun, fall foliage, winter skiing and lake trout fishing. Year round hiking. Check our weather page before heading outside. Experience our virtual hike to Laurel Falls here. For a topographic map try here.

Live historical outdoor drama at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and professional baseball with the Elizabethton Twins are some examples of the entertainment available in the summer.  Most Saturday nights, April through October, the Carter County Car Club sponsors a cruise-in downtown. Race times in Bristol bring many visitors to Elizabethton. If you live here, or are just visiting and need more information, try the links page.

Roan PathWhen visiting the forests, mountains and lakes of northeast Tennessee, there are a range of accommodation choices near Elizabethton. Besides all the fun available in Carter County, the nearby area and surrounding region has much to offer. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain are an hour drive away through Newland, North Carolina. The Virginia Creeper Trail at Damascus Virginia is a scenic drive away through Shady Valley and Backbone Rock. Boone Lake, South Holston Lake, Bays Mountain, Warriors Path State Park, and all the Tri-Cities has to offer is a short drive from Carter County. Nearby Erwin in Unicoi County has the wild whitewater of the Nolichucky River. Majestic Unaka Mountain with it's Beauty Spot and Red Fork Falls also lie nearby in Unicoi County. Historic Jonesborough is just on the other side of Johnson City from Elizabethton. There is much to see and do both outside and inside. Please check out the rest of our site and thanks for visiting. See you on the trail!


Photos | Resources | Weather | Hiking | Roan Mountain | Elizabethton | Scots-Irish | Watauga Lake | Waterfalls | Virtual Hike | Wildflowers | Wallpaper | About/Contact

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