Some of the best state parks with gorgeous views are just a short drive from campus. With the weather warming up and the semester quickly coming to a close, now is the perfect time to unwind from college life and spend time outdoors enjoying nature.
Southwest of Johnson City is Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park in Unicoi County, which sprawls over 2,000 acres of wildlife. Its website suggests carpooling to the park due to limited parking. Some activities include rock climbing at Whitehouse Cliffs and Black Stacks, biking, fly-fishing and hiking, as the park offers direct access to the Appalachian Trail. Currently, Rocky Fork is hosting Wildflower hikes, a full pink moon hike on April 12th and a fiddler’s convention at the end of the month. In addition, there are three campgrounds, each of which can be reserved for less than $15 a night.
For history buffs, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is a place to learn about significant historical events in Tennessee. The “oldest standing frame house” in the state, near Sycamore Shoals, is the Carter Mansion, built by political leader John Carter and his son Landon in the 1700s. The area was once Cherokee land, and later, English settlers were stationed along the Watauga Old Fields and organized the “first free and independent community on the continent.” It was also the site where the Transylvania Purchase took place, a plan to establish a fourteenth colony, but increased conflicts with Native American tribes. It was also the muster site of the Overmountain Men, who played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Presently, guided tours of historical sites are being offered in April, and an Old Time Music Jam will be held on April 27th, which will feature a mix of traditional folk, Celtic and gospel music.
Another park for history enthusiasts and hikers alike is Warrior’s Path State Park, about twenty miles northwest of Johnson City. The park was named for the Great Cherokee War and the Trading Path. It runs along the Holston River, which makes it a popular place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard and pedal boat, all of which can be rented at the marina. Warrior’s Path also offers a disc golf course with twenty-two holes. The park has twelve miles of hiking trails, a golf course, mountain bike trails, fishing and birding. The park claims that there are many songbirds in the forest. It is also participating in the “Honey Project,” which has installed honey bee hives at 39 state parks across Tennessee, with at least two hives at each park.
About an hour’s drive from campus, headed west, is Panther Creek State Park in Morristown. The park is on the Cherokee Reservoir in the historic Holston River Valley, allowing fishers and hikers opportunities to explore. Panther Creek has more than thirty miles of hiking trails as well as fifteen miles of mountain biking trails. The park also features horseback riding trails, including Hunt Knob and Maple Arch trails. Eagles are a frequent occurrence at the park.
Lastly, Roan Mountain State Park is one of the best parks in the state, but suffered dearly from Hurricane Helene. They are looking for volunteers to help with various projects throughout the area. If you have the time and willingness, the views are worthwhile, and the experience will look good on a resume.
