Carter: Trails, Wilderness and History

Hiking trails, waterways and historic sites offer different ways to experience Carter. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Pond Mountain Wilderness; throughout Carter County, there are several access points for out-and-back hikes and trails to local attractions. There is also a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Elizabethton and annual events held during specific seasons. This lets you plan your stay around nature, history or a particular date.

Compare hiking and trails

The Pond Mountain Wilderness covers 6,935 acres and offers streams, waterfalls and hiking trails. Laurel Fork Falls is also within the area. The Appalachian Trail runs through the Wilderness and crosses the road at Carver’s Gap. Several access points to the trail throughout Carter County make out-and-back hikes possible and lead along trails to numerous local attractions. These details offer different starting points for planning: a section of the long-distance trail through a wilderness area, access points for out-and-back hikes or a side trip to a waterfall within the Wilderness.

The Hampton Watershed Trails and the Tweetsie Trail also differ in their described features. The Hampton Watershed Trails include six miles of singletrack, ranging from easy to challenging. The ten-mile Tweetsie Trail is a gravel rail-trail on a former railway line between Johnson City and Elizabethton. It is used by walkers, runners and cyclists. Their length, surface and stated uses can help you choose between the two trails based on your plans.

Forests, mountains and rivers

Roan Mountain State Park covers 2,006 acres of southern Appalachian forest at the foot of 6,285-foot Roan Mountain. Watauga Lake offers a different landscape: the Cherokee National Forest protects much of its shoreline from development. The two descriptions highlight different settings, from forest on the mountain to protected lakeshore.

The Doe River and Watauga River offer more opportunities for activities on the water. The Doe River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking between Roan Mountain and Elizabethton. The Doe River Fishing Trail offers public access to more than eight miles of the river for anglers of all ages. The Watauga River offers opportunities for world-class trout fishing as well as rafting and kayaking. Its tailwater section begins below Wilbur Dam in Elizabethton. The information about the rivers and access points differs, ranging from fishing opportunities along a stretch of river to rafting and kayaking.

History and architecture

The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area has an interpretive museum and a film about the history of the site and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Fort Watauga, a reconstruction of an 18th-century fort, is also located in Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. These offer different ways to explore history: the museum and film cover two historical topics, while Fort Watauga is a reconstruction from that period.

The park offers tours of the Sabine Hill State Historic Site throughout the year; availability depends on events. Sabine Hill is an example of a Federal-style frame building. Another historic building is the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in Tennessee. For a different look at Elizabethton, take the self-guided Downtown Elizabethton Walking Tour.

Events throughout the year

Annual events in Carter County include the Roan Mountain Farmers Market, held from May to September. Covered Bridge Jams take place from June to September; the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival is held in June. The Fall Naturalists Rally is on the September events calendar. This means the market and Covered Bridge Jams overlap for several months, while the festival and rally are each held in a specific month. If an event is a deciding factor in your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.

To plan your trip, start by choosing your focus: trails and forests, river activities, historic sites or seasonal events. This way, you can make the experiences that interest you most the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Elizabethton, Sullivan, Johnson County, Carroll County, Washington County, Claiborne County, Hamblen, Lauderdale County.

Return to the main travel overview: Tennessee.