Motorists pass through what is locally known as “The shortest tunnel in the world” as they travel along TN 133. 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. Natural Featuresīackbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Vault toilets are located within the parking area. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. Backbone Rock Recreation Area is open May 4 - September 18. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and four large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. Public - Forest Service (Official) Website. There is a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) -era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. 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. Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilion #1 will close for the season on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. BACKBONE ROCK CAMPGROUND Cherokee National Forest, TN. The area includes accessible grills, picnic tables, trash cans, and vault toilets. The pavilion is large and adjacent to an expansive field, Beaverdam Creek and a large parking area.
Within the state park, South Lake Campground is where you can find electric hookups for your rental RV. The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions, weddings and other types of group gatherings. Settle into the campgrounds at Backbone State Park, and youll be in the midst of the wilderness while enjoying activities like swimming, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and bicycling. PhoneįISHING, HIKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, SWIMMING, STAR GAZING, WATER ACCESS, SCENIC DRIVE KeywordsīACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS,BACKBONE ROCK,BACKBONE Related Link(s) Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 178 becomes TN 133 at the state line). From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to the recreation area.
But it was still real free climbing (to my 9 year old).From Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. It was quite a challege and safe since we could only fall about 1 foot into the water. We took the boys climbing about 50 feet along the creek. It's a great place for some easy bouldering. There were rock climbers rappelling while we were there. It was a cold day but the creek still called us in. My family and friends spent half a day there and the kids just loved it.
The falls are tall and thin, and there's a great wet/woodsy/earthy smell there. The infamous Tower Rock is located on the western side of the river just across from the park. Devil's Backbone Park is named after the 1/2 mile limestone ridge that runs parallel to the river Mississippi River within the park. The path will take you to the bottom of the falls and back to the road almost where you started. 1 Brunkhorst Avenue, Grand Tower IL 62942 618.684.6192. Then walk up the road to the small lot and hike up to the top of Backbone falls. There's a large covered patio with a fireplace (book it for parties), BBQ grills, tables, and you can swim in the creek on a warm day. This campground offers 10 tent camping sites that. If you just want cool pictures and a few quick hikes, go up the stairs from the large parking and take the trail over the road to the creek on the other side. This small campground is popular for visitors to Backbone Rock, dubbed the shortest tunnel in the world. We live about 10 minutes away in Damascus and visit Backbone Rock often.