After being back in classes for two weeks now, we’re all starting to feel the blues of being cooped-up in classrooms all day.
Folks, that just isn’t healthy. There’s plenty of research and good ol’ common sense that shows it’s important to venture outside a bit to free your brain from the rigors of learning.
As you might imagine, I’ve got just the place to give your cranium a little time to recoup. The best part: this place is right here in Johnson City.
Winged Deer Park offers a variety of opportunities to unwind, have fun and get away from campus for a while.
Nestled along Boone Lake (or Lake Boone, if you prefer), this sprawling park is one of the best places I’ve found to spend a little quiet time or bring a bunch of friends. I have often gathered many of my cohorts for a friendly game or two of volleyball at Winged Deer.
The convenient location makes it easy to get people together for an outing in the park, or just go by yourself and quietly watch the sunset.
Volleyball is just one of many activities available at the park. The lakefront offers a huge area to play football or ultimate Frisbee or work on keeping that tan that you’ve managed to produce this summer.
I often see people sitting around the lakefront watching the children (and those of us that act like children) enjoy the openness the park offers.
Occasionally, you’ll see folks swimming in the lake, but you can decide for yourself if that’s something you’d like to do.
Perhaps you’re looking to take a romantic stroll with your significant other. You can’t beat this place. Winged Deer Park has a wonderful boardwalk along the lake that can be quite peaceful around dusk.
I must mention that the boardwalk is also a favorite spot for fishing. It can get quite busy with people when fishing conditions are just right.
Use caution when walking through to make sure that fishermen like my roommate don’t hook you when casting. Oh, and if you hear someone cursing the big fish he just lost, please ignore me.
Aside from just hanging around the lakefront, you can also have a picnic overlooking the lake. The park has a wonderful picnic pavilion with plenty of space to accommodate a bunch of your comrades.
You can also access the lakeshore from the pavilion. This particular area of the park has a large boat ramp, so if you’re fortunate enough to own one of those floating contraptions, this is a great place to take her out for a spin.
One hidden jewel of the park is the walking trails. Most people go straight to the lakeshore and completely miss the trails.
Granted, this area is a little more secluded, so use caution when visiting. However, you can meander along under the trees and even visit a historic cabin during your adventure. There are also a few picnic tables that can offer you a little more intimate setting than the lakeshore, if you prefer.
You may find something other than sports, fishing, walking or picnicking that you can enjoy at Winged Deer. It certainly has potential for a lot of fun.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Winged Deer Park is a busy place, and it is very safe compared to some other parks I have visited. The openness along the lakeshore makes it a great place to relax outside and feel secure, but use your head if you’re there late or alone.
Should you see a bunch of college students fruitlessly attempting to play volleyball, come over and join us. I guarantee you’ll at least get a good laugh.
Until next time, I’m going fishing!
Directions to Winged Deer Park: Take Highway 11-E (Bristol Highway) north out of Johnson City. Turn left on Carroll Creek Road (approximately one mile past the car dealerships). The lakeshore will be the first road on your right, or you can go a little further and find the parking area for the boat ramp and picnic pavilion on the right and the access to the walking trails on your left. If you need more details, just let me know.
Approximate driving time: 15 minutes.

Author