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.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION

BUFFALO MOUNTAIN PARK
570 HIGH RIDGE ROAD, P.O. BOX 1535, JOHNSON CITY 37605-1535
JOHNSON CITY PARKS & RECREATION (423) 283-5815
FAX: (423) 283-5829
WEBSITE: www.johnsoncitytn.org

Located 4.5 miles from I-26. 725-acre nature preserve. 15 miles of hiking trails, picnic tables and is a great place for wildflower, bird and tree identification. Guided nature hikes available monthly. Call for schedule. L/HA.

CHEROKEE ADVENTURES WHITEWATER RAFTING
2000 JONESBOROUGH ROAD, ERWIN 37650
(423) 743-7733
FAX: (423) 743-5400
RESERVATIONS (800) 445-7238
WEBSITE: www.cherokeeadventures.com

Located 1.4 miles from I-26. Guided class III and IV whitewater on Nolichucky River through 3000' gorge. Also offer family float trips, overnight packages, riverside camping canoe and inflatable canoe rentals. Full service restaurant and hot showers. No experience needed. Operating: Mar.-Oct. AC. PC, TC & CC accepted. L/HA.

DAVY CROCKETT BIRTHPLACE STATE PARK
1245 DAVY CROCKETT PARK ROAD, LIMESTONE 37681
(423) 257-2167
FAX: (423) 257-2430
WEBSITE: www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/DavyCrockettSHP/

Located 21 miles from I-26. Birthplace of one of Tennessee's most famous and greatest sons. The museum exhibits tell of the different aspects of the life of Davy Crockett, the hunter, the politician, the businessman, and the legendary hero as portrayed in the Walt Disney movie of the 1950's. A replica cabin depicts a typical frontier cabin much like the one in which Davy Crockett was born in 1786. 105 acres partially wooded acres of land along the Nolichucky River with a swimming pool, picnic areas, fishing, hiking, 88 campsites with water, electric, sewer, bathrooms, grills, pay phone. Visitor's Center (office/ museum) is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open year round. SCD. PC & TC accepted. F/HA.

ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
1015 HIGHWAY 143, ROAN MOUNTAIN 37687
(423) 772-0190 or (800) 250-8620
FAX: (423) 772-0142
WEBSITE: www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/RoanMtn/
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.

SONNY'S MARINA
109 ONE STREET, GRAY 37615
(423) 282-9440
FAX: (423) 282-5478
WEBSITE: www.sonnysmarina.com

Located off Highway 36. One mile behind Zak's Furniture. Full-service marina, mechanics, ship store, gift shop, parts department, boat rentals and full service restaurant on site. Open seasonal April - Nov. 9am-6pm daily. PC, TC & CC accepted. L/HA.

STEELE CREEK PARK
20 LITTLE LANE, P.O. BOX 1189, BRISTOL 37621
(423) 764-4023
FAX: (423) 989-5624
WEBSITE: www.bristoltn.org
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..

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY - LAKE & DAMS
106 TRI-CITIES BUSINESS PARK DRIVE, GRAY 37615
(423) 467-3800 or (800) 238-2264
WEBSITE: www.tva.com/river/recreation/index.htm
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.

TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY
EAST TENNESSEE - REGION IV
3030 WILDLIFE WAY, MORRISTOWN 37814
(800) 332-0900 (IN STATE ONLY) or (423) 587-7037 Ext 119
FAX: (423) 587-7057
WEBSITE: www.tnwildlife.org

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.

Hunting Regulations: Non-resident licenses: Junior (ages 13-15) no big game $9.00; Adult 7-Day Small Game/Waterfowl $50.50; Annual Small Game/Waterfowl $91.00; Adult 7-Day All Game $175.50; Annual All Game $251.00; Trapping $401.00. No license needed for children under 12 years of age. Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must possess proof of satisfactorily completing a hunter safety course to hunt.

The hunting and fishing licenses go on sale February 18 each year, and are valid until the last day of February the following year. Seasons are subject to change. License fees are subject to change.

WARRIORS' PATH STATE PARK
490 HEMLOCK ROAD, P.O. BOX 5026, KINGSPORT 37663-5026
(423) 239-8531
FAX: (423) 239-4982
WEBSITE: www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/WarriorsPath/
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. 135 campsites, RV, pull-thrus, primitive sites, grills, water, electric, bath house and pay phone. Open year round. SCD. L/HA.

WATAUGA LAKESHORE MARINA, INC.
2285 HIGHWAY 321, HAMPTON 37658
(423) 725-2223 or 725-2201
FAX: (423) 725-2623
WEBSITE: www.lakeshore-resort.com

Located 17 miles from I-26. Full-service marina on Watauga Lake with mooring service, live bait, licenses, food store, showers, boat dock, swimming pool, ski equipment, pontoons, and speed boat rentals. Enjoy a stay in one of our cabins on the lake. Restaurant and lounge open Mar.-Oct. Marina hours: 8am - 4:30pm winter season; 8am - 6pm summer season.

WINGED DEER PARK
242 CARROLL CREEK ROAD, P.O. BOX 1535, JOHNSON CITY 37605-1535
JOHNSON CITY PARKS & RECREATION (423) 283-5815
FAX: (423) 283-5829
WEBSITE: www.johnsoncitytn.org

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.

Note, This is not a comprehensive listing of outdoor recreation in the region. The featured outdoor recreation listings are members of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.

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