Trail Hiking in Elizabethton and Carter County Tennessee

Opportunities for hiking in this area are numerous and varied. From level paved walkways to technical rock climbing, there's something for every walker, hiker, and climber. Some of the local scenic spots, like Laurel Falls, require some walking to reach. The more popular trails are not extremely difficult and are enjoyed by many people. For an example, try our virtual hike pages. Two well known trail systems winding through Carter County are the Appalachian Trail and the Overmountain Victory Trail.

The altitude of Carter County ranges from approximately 1500 to 6000 feet (450 to 1800 meters). The terrain is typical of the southern Appalachian mountains. From high old peaks the land opens downward into hollows, coves, and river valleys. The city of Elizabethton is laid out along the Watauga River valley, which accounts for it's elongated shape. The western parts of the county are more open and consist of rolling hills with a sprinkling of houses, cattle, and horses. Parts of Johnson City lie within Carter County. If you are a nature lover yet you don't live in Tennessee, you'll find that it is well worth getting some cheap flights to come visit. Hiking in such beautiful surroundings is unforgettable.

The plant and animal life here is very diverse. On the high ridges of Roan Mountain an ancient Canadian type fir-spruce forest survives as an isolated ecosystem. At lower elevations the forest is mostly a mix of conifers and hardwoods. The summer months bring a dazzling display of wildflowers.

Commonly seen wildlife includes deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse. Black bears are present but usually avoid people. Carter County is among the top Tennessee counties for bears harvested per hunting season. Part of the local Cherokee National Forest is bear sanctuary. Bobcats live in the area along with coyotes and foxes. There is some debate about the existence of the eastern panther, the red wolf, and other large predators in the Appalachians. We know someone who spotted a large dog sized cat flicking a long tail about 3 AM near Sam's Gap along I-26 a mile or so into Tennessee. Stories abound but little evidence has been documented. Some researchers at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk NC have been studying the issue.

A wide range of migratory and full time birds can be seen including bald eagles. The numerous bodies of water support many types of waterfowl while the forest harbors a large array of woodland birds. This part of the world has an abundance of butterflies and dragonflies. Wet places in the mountains are home to rare species of amphibians and reptiles.

Copperheads and eastern timber rattlesnakes are not often seen, but they do exist. Rattlesnakes might give you a warning if you are lucky. The fall leaf color copperheads are less human friendly. To further confuse life in the forest, the common local garter snakes mimic the copperhead with a shiny brown head. Black racers, garter snakes, and others are seen more often than the dangerous ones. Avoid all snakes and pay attention to your surroundings. Don't put your body parts in places you can't see. A high percentage of snake bite victims also were consuming alcohol.

The terrain itself poses a more common hazard to the hiking public than the occasional poisonous snake and the rare problem bear. Almost every year people die in the mountains here, often near water features. Falls from cliffs are common. The currents underneath waterfalls are especially dangerous. Water levels in all local streams and rivers can rise rapidly if a storm occurs upstream. The Watauga River is controlled by TVA and the water release schedule can be found here. Be safe and use your brain. The Carter County Technical Rescue Team has all the work they need.

In town, a nice level fitness trail along the Watauga River can be found at Sycamore Shoals. The city of Elizabethton is in the process of developing linear bike/pedestrian walkways along the the Doe River and Watauga River. Some parts are already completed, including a section by the covered bridge downtown.

The Appalachian Trail runs the length of the county. Some of the best scenery on the trail is found right here. The trail crosses Round Bald on the Roan massif, Yellow Mountain, Hump Mountain, then crosses Hwy 19E near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. It climbs and then follows the ridge of the aptly named White Rock Mountain while traversing some of the most remote areas in the county. The trail descends into Dennis Cove, past Laurel Falls and then across Hwy 321 at the Shook Branch Recreation Area on Watauga Lake. Then it winds around the west end of Watauga Lake, crosses Watauga Dam and heads up the length of Iron Mountain. Numerous other trails connect to the Appy Trail and it's easy to miss the many forks along the way. The white blazes on trees and rocks mark the Appy Trail way. Two blazes indicate a fork in the trail.

Trails are often relocated and are sometimes designated for special uses. The nearest US Forest Service office is in Unicoi County (423) 735-1500 and they should have local trail information. Online topographic maps can be viewed at Topoquest. For the latest info and maps of the Appalachian Trail check the official AT site.

Here are a couple videos of Laurel Fork and Laurel Falls. They are also found, along with many photos, on our virtual hike pages.

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