From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to the recreation area. Learn more about gear rental options for your trip Driving Directionsįrom Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Contact Information MailingĤ400 Unicoi Drive Unicoi Tennessee 37692 Phone Numberįor campground inquiries, please call: 42 Rental Options Beaverdam Creek is known for its excellent fishing. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail adjoins Backbone Rock Trail. The trail crosses the rock and leads to Beaverdam Creek or Backbone Rock Falls. There is a trail that will take you to the top of Backbone Rock, following a stone-step wooded path. Motorists pass through what is locally known as 'The shortest tunnel in the world' as they travel along TN 133.ĭamascus, Virginia is five miles North of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that ends abruptly at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.īackbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly. All last minute cabin rentals are handled by the park concessionaire and should be done prior to arriving at the park. Visit the Cherokee National Forest website for more information.Īll pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Last Minute Cabin Rentals: If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the Backbone Concessionaire at 563 933-2273 regarding cabin availability. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements 36 CFR 261.58 (cc). Remember to use the bear resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility. Store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food at least 12 feet off the ground. Pavilion #1 has extensive parking for larger groups.īe Bear Wise: Never leave food out on tables or in the open. If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 42 to apply for a special use permit. Please make your own arrangements if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m. There is no cell phone coverage in the Backbone Rock Recreation Area. The large pavilion is available for reservations. Vault toilets are located within the parking area, and are open for the 2022 season. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and several large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. There is a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) -era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. The area includes accessible grills, picnic tables, dumpsters, and vault toilets. The pavilion is large and adjacent to an expansive field, Beaverdam Creek, and a large parking area. The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions and other types of group gatherings.

Backbone state park cabins