Great Hike. We had lots of run on this trail and reaching the Devils Bathtub…read moreTake the plunge and jump in it play in the water.

Strenuous hike with multiple creek crossings. Be mindful of your steps as you trek over roots &…read morerocks. A stellar experience the whole way. Please carry trash out. It's a very special place. Plan to spend the day, it's worth immersion in the whole environment.

We just had our second stay here and it really gets better each visit. There's constantly something…read morenew to discover or that's improved. We really enjoyed the secret lake trails, amazing playground and marina restaurant this visit.

Been there a million times. Even though it's changed alot through the year's it's a beautiful…read moreplace.

We were on a long road trip and looking for spots to stop, stretch our legs, and give the kids a…read morebreak from the car. This was the perfect stop! We loved riding the chair lift down to the tunnel and, wow, what an impressive sight! The river was beautiful and our kids loved wading in just a bit to cool off before heading back up the lift. The ranger service was wonderful with lots of tips and activities for the kids to do on small, manageable hikes. The kids also enjoyed playing on the train engine displayed near the parking lot. Definitely a great spot to visit even just to ride the lift down to the tunnel and back up!

Clearly, this place is marketed to resemble Natural Bridge, Virginia's better known (and frankly,…read moremore impressive) attraction. The park here is set up with a number of camping facilities and trails that have a separate entrance, while the attraction itself is accessible by parking at a visitor center and either walking down a fairly steep trail or taking a (seasonal) chairlift. On the dreary day I visited, there was barely a soul in sight, but the park seemed to be setting up for a winter lights festival. The tunnel itself is used for a railroad line, and a viewing platform allows you to go to the edge of the tunnel but you can't actually go through it, which is disappointing. The trail downstream through the gorge is pleasant and worth a brief jaunt but it terminates quickly. Those seeking more of a hike will find the ridge trail that heads upwards worthwhile, and the views of the tunnel from above are probably at least as good as what you'd get walking up close to it. The local Lover's Leap is majestic (and horrifying, if you think about it). I did not think it one of the more impressive state parks in either Virginia or in the the confluence of states in this region, but there are some nice things to see.

This is such a quaint, adorable space. We stopped here to…read morelet our dog out and to view the "Spirit of Generosity". It was a bit late in the day so the restrooms were closed but the building was decorated with art from the community and was interesting to view. They had also installed a sleigh in the middle of the park for Christmas which was nice for photos. There were lots of people there walking their dogs and there is a parking lot as well as street parking. It is right next to an old train station and plenty of shops and restaurants. We stayed here for 20 or 30 minutes and honestly it was one of our favorite stops in the city.

On my way to lunch in the interesting hamlet of downtown Kingsport, I was scoping out some parking…read morenear the restaurant. I was trying to get close but i didn't want to get too close to the restaurant, have no parking available, then have to retrace my tracks. I always find parking habits interesting: some folks want to get as close as possible and will wait five minutes for a spot if they seem someone walking to the parking area (this seems especially true at any Walmart anywhere in the country). I just like to park at the first available spot and start walking. Routinely, I am entering the establishment before Lazy Larry is done parking. I was a solid 2 blocks from the restaurant but the parking spaces were getting filled. I drove right upon this park and liked it so much, I parked right in front of it. It was a hot day outside, so there were a couple of families enjoying the splash pad. I recently saw a splash pad at another park in Knoxville; must be a TN thing. The jets were shooting out large volumes of water and the kids were having a great time. There are benches for seating and the grass is pristinely kept. I initially thought it might be artificial but it's the real deal. I sat on a bench and checked some emails after lunch, but the sun is the enemy of red-heads, so i trudged back to my truck. Nice little park.

I came here for a hike and to go geocaching. I would say if you are a geocacher do not waste your…read moretime because you will be disappointed that they are all missing (or at least the first 4) and you make an effort to cross the river and go up a embankment. Anyways, we took our time hiked up to the waterfall, I think up and back we took a lil over 2 hours because I tried finding the geocaches. I will definitely come back during summertime to go in the water... it looked so inviting. They also have bathrooms and a playground for the kids and gravel parking lot. You can drive to the other end and just sit on the tailgate and enjoy the sites and sounds of the birds and flowing water.

Park closes atleast an hour before it get close to dark. I parked outside of the locked gate,…read morefarthest off the road I could. There wasn't a no parking sign. My daughter and I got some exercise for 30-45 minutes. Whoever works or lives there or across the water called a tow truck on us. Really?!? For getting exercise???? First, you can't have a vehicle towed legally when there isn't a no parking sign posted. Second, I bet the person who called to have us towed is overweight. Way to make us feel unwelcome! In Arizona, most all parks don't close that are city parks. You may exercise day and night! I hope the miserable being who called the crappy tow truck company learns how to be a nice human before their time is up on earth. Good riddance!!

Spouse and I decided to enjoy a barge ride on the lake in anticipation of seeing some wildlife. It…read morewas a calm and informative ride on the lake. Children 12 and under are required to wear life jacket for safety. The guide who was a summer intern was friendly, knowledgeable and very capable of handling the barge. On the drive in we saw one deer grazing. Parking is $7 per car and the barge ride was $6 a person. We decided not to visit the nature center during this outing but plan to return again in the fall. The lake has several types of fish, turtles, beaver, water snakes and occasional bear looking for food. We would return and bring a picnic lunch and make use of designated picnic areas. There is a trail along the lake that takes about 2 hours to walk. The park is renovating a building and outside space for river otters to arrive in the future. This is a very family friendly place.

I dont know how they say this place is over 40 miles and 3750 acres. I came here for the barge ride…read morewhich holds a good amount of people. It is very slow so you can look at your surroundings. If you have kids this is a great place to take them because they have a bunch of animals and a playground. No entry fee just a parking fee, I believe it was $7. I guess one of the hiking trails goes to Laurel Run Park, but thats a pretty long run.

Surprised to find such a nice Trail around a lake right around the corner from McDonalds. Worth a…read morevisit to take a walk. There is a bathroom building and free parking. Woods on the far side. The was some trash here and there. The only downside to my walk. If you are in town stop by.

Nice quiet place to be with nature and nice place for a hike or walk around the pond or down by the…read moreriver. You can even feed the ducks, fish or even have a picnic. You can even float or canoe down the river side.

You can't pay for views like this, and good news is... you don't have to!…read more Rough Ridge Overlook is a local *and* tourist hot spot for some of the best views in the state! I went there with some GFs for nature and the views, and it didn't dissapoint. Definiteluy put this spot on your map when planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain.

Not Too Bad Of A Hike. Very Rewarding Views At The End! Slippery When Wet. Wear The Proper Shoes!read more

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more