Directions
From Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to the recreation area. From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 178 becomes TN 133 at the state line).
Phone
423-735-1500
Activities
FISHING, HIKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, SWIMMING, STAR GAZING, WATER ACCESS, SCENIC DRIVE
Keywords
BACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS,BACKBONE ROCK,BACKBONE
Related Link(s)
Overview
The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions, weddings and other types of group gatherings. The pavilion is large and adjacent to an expansive field, Beaverdam Creek and a large parking area. The area includes accessible grills, picnic tables, trash cans, and vault toilets. Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilion #1 will close for the season on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.
Recreation
There is a trail that will take you to the top of Backbone Rock, following a stone-step wooded path. The trail crosses the rock and leads to Beaverdam Creek or Backbone Rock Falls. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail adjoins Backbone Rock Trail. Beaverdam Creek is known for its excellent fishing.
Facilities
There is a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) -era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and four large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. Vault toilets are located within the parking area.
Natural Features
Backbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that ends abruptly at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is locally known as “The shortest tunnel in the world” as they travel along TN 133.
Nearby Attractions
Damascus, Virginia is five miles north of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs.
