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Johnson City, Tennessee

Looking for the best hiking in Johnson City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Johnson City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Johnson City

  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop

    5.0
    4.79 mi / 879 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Jane Bald via Appalachian Trail

    4.8
    2.64 mi / 581 ft gain
    This journey begins at Carvers Gap, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At a beginning elevation of 5512 ft. you will cross the road from the parking area to the trailhead, on the Appalachian Trail, northbound. The trail climbs gently through grasslands and rhododendron before enter...
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  • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

    Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    15.47 mi / 2598 ft gain
    The Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn

    12.28 mi / 2720 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

    5.0
    4.84 mi / 932 ft gain
    Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Round Bald via Carver's Gap

    4.3
    1.72 mi / 338 ft gain
    This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 900 ft gain
    Starting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...
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  • Bakersville, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain

    5.0
    6.98 mi / 1204 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Tailwater Trail

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Osceola Island Loop

    5.0
    1.52 mi / 95 ft gain
    The Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Spillway Trail

    5.0
    3.54 mi / 869 ft gain
    Spillway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Appalachian Trail, Tennessee

    Jones Falls via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    10.65 mi / 2484 ft gain
    Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnific...
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail

    4.5
    7.83 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Towering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...
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  • Newland, North Carolina

    Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail

    4.6 mi / 1339 ft gain
    Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...
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  • Church Hill, Tennessee

    Laurel Run Trail

    5.0
    3.96 mi / 712 ft gain
    Laurel Run Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Church Hill, Tennessee.
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  • Elk Park, North Carolina

    Elk River Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 62 ft gain
    The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. From this point its about a .2 mile long walk to th...
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