Jackie Steffan — 0.4 mile out-and-back — 20 minutes — Moderate — 67′ elevation gain —
Backbone Rock is a simple, but unique hike, in the Holston Mountain area. The road passes through “the shortest tunnel in the world”, but the hike allows you to hike on top of the tunnel and across the road to the other side, along the spine of the rock fin. The tunnel was originally blasted in 1901 for a rail line. In the 1930s, the CCC developed the area for recreational use.
Getting There
From I-26:
- Take Exit 24 to merge onto TN-67 E/US-321 N toward Elizabethton
- Travel 8.7 miles, then use middle lane to turn left onto US-19E N
- Travel 0.2 mile, and exit right onto TN-91 N/Stoney Creek Road towards Shady Valley
- Travel 22 miles (at 18.5 miles is the AT crossing for Osborne Farm)
- At the intersection, continue straight on TN-133 for another 9.7 miles. The paved parking area is on the left before going through the tunnel
The Hike
The Backbone Rock Trail begins from the end of the parking area, to the right of the building housing the restrooms. The hike quickly extends rock stairs, with switchbacks up to the top of the rock fin.
After 0.1 mile, turn right, heading towards the road. The left path continues on Backbone Rock Trail, which eventually connects with the AT after ~2.4 miles. Take a moment to enjoy the unique view above the road. The hike pretty much dead-ends after you cross the road.
Although the views aren’t spectacular and the tunnel is best viewed from the roadway, it’s still a cool experience to explore on top of the rock. Be careful to pick a safe location to stop and admire the tunnel if you are doing it from the ground near the road.
There is supposedly another short hike to Backbone Falls. From the parking lot, cross TN-133 and walk across Beaver Dam Creek. The trailhead is shortly ahead on your left. As of July 2025 (our last visit), the trail was closed.
It may be hard to justify a trip to this spot alone, so it is easily paired up with the nearby Osborne Farm to Cross Mountain hike or to pair with a visit to Damascus, VA.
