In October in Johnson City, the mountains are truly calling and you should go. Here are some of our favorite places to checkout for a quick hike, bike ride, or exciting adventure.

Founders Park
Founders Park is a 5-acre greenspace located in downtown Johnson City. Completed in 2014 as part of a stormwater retention project to mitigate flooding, the park offers an amphitheater, walking paths, a creek, and a variety of public art. Adjacent to the park is a large open-air pavilion. Learn More

Buffalo Mountain Park (Hike)
Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre natural resource area obtained in 1994 through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service. The park is located on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain and consists of steep topography and densely forested land. The park functions as a nature preserve primarily for hiking, picnicking, and nature programs. Learn More

The Tweetsie Trail (Walk/ Run / Ride)
The Tweetsie Trail is a rails-to-trails project traversing the former East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad right-of-way between Johnson City and Elizabethton. A gradual tread of packed rock, the 9.6-mile trail provides opportunities for walking, running, and biking in a beautiful, natural setting. The railroad was known as the “Tweetsie,” a reference to the sound of its steam whistles. Learn More

Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park (Hike / Ride / Views)
One of the premier mountain biking destinations in the region, Tannery Knobs offers an exhilarating outdoor experience for riders of all skill levels. Boasting over 40 acres of diverse terrain, this park is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Tannery Knobs also provides incredible views of the city and region beyond.
Learn More 

Jacob’s Nature Park @ Sinking Creek
The park offers several hiking trails, a living roof pavilion, a wetland area and an abundance of wildlife including fish, frogs, salamanders and many species of birds. In 2018, the National Wildlife Federation recognized Jacob’s Nature Park as a certified wildlife habitat. Within the park boundaries is also a native tree arboretum. Learn more about the park at jacobfrancisco.com.

Willow Springs Park
Established in 1998, Willow Springs Park encompasses 36 acres in southwest Johnson City between Huffine and Antioch roads. It was named after a dairy that operated near the site around the turn of the century. Architectural designs for shelters and light fixtures are reminiscent of styles prevalent during Johnson City’s earliest days. Learn More

The Appalachian Mountains offer unique experiences for all to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites to explore:

TREK Johnson City Bike Rentals
Trek Bicycle Johnson City is your destination for the latest products from Trek and Bontrager, service and tune-ups for bikes of any brand, and the best local advice on riding in east Tennessee. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, we’re close to some awesome places to ride, like Pisgah National Forest and several IMBA trail systems. Rentals Available. Learn More

USA RAFT (Rafting, Tubing, Fishing & More)
Perfectly set along the Nolichucky River, surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, and directly bordering the Appalachian Trail, our Resort property features one of the most beautiful settings in the Southeast USA. We are proud that USA Raft has been in continuous operation since 1972, and we’re excited to continue this legacy offering premier outdoor recreation adventures and lodging experiences to our guests. Learn More

Off the Grid Mountain Adventures (Zip Lines, and More)
Off the Grid Mountain Adventures features one of the longest zip lines in the country, at nearly 3000 feet long, the length of 10 football fields, and close to 300 feet above the canyon floor, reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Those who are competitive will enjoy the dual zip line where you can race your friends and family. Learn More

Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute (Outdoor Classes and Experiences)
Located on the banks of the beautiful Nolichucky River in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, we are the region’s leading comprehensive outdoor school offering courses and instruction for all ability levels in a variety of disciplines including kayak, canoe, water safety and rescue, wilderness medicine, survival, camping, backpacking, conservation and more. Learn More

Waterfalls
Our region is home to some incredible waterfalls that really shine during the October season. With over 300 waterfalls within a 3-hour radius, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the near-by ones to experience: Learn More