Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is a great option if you are looking for a quick, easy stroll close to town. The park is located just outside of downtown Elizabethton, along the Watauga River. This park is very family friendly and there are other activities at the park besides the walking trails, including historical fort, tennis/pickleball courts, dog park, picnic tables, open fields, etc.

Getting There

From I-26:

Take Exit 24 on I-26 towards Elizabethton, onto US-321N
Travel 6.1 miles, turn left into Sycamore Shoals State Park, next to the hospital
Main parking area for walking trails is near the tennis/pickleball courts

Patriots Path

— 1 mile out-and-back — 0.5 hour — Easy — No elevation gain/loss —

From the parking area, take the gravel walking path towards the river. After about 0.1 mile, take a left onto the large gravel path. Just before this turn, there is another path off to the left (smaller trail) that parallels the larger gravel path and connects later. There are several informational signs along the trail. Follow the path along the Watauga River for 0.2 mile, taking in the views. Here you will find a little wildflower garden on the left. The rest of the path consists of two loops on the way to the trail dead-end. There are plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the river flowing by. Taking all the loops and going to the terminus is roughly another 0.4 mile total. Enjoy the river views and views of the Sycamore Shoals Island. After the last loop returns back to the wildflower garden, retrace your steps back to the parking area.