| alert |
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| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions, weddings and other types of group gatherings. The pavilion is large and adjacent to an expansive field, Beaverdam Creek and a large parking area. The area includes accessible grills, table trash cans, and vault toilets. |
| drivingDirection |
From Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to the recreation area. From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 178 becomes TN 133 at the state line). |
| facilitiesDescription |
There is a CCC-era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and four large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. Vault toilets are located within the parking area. |
| facility |
BACKBONE ROCK RECREATION AREA PAVILIONS |
| facilityID |
121840 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=121840&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
There is no cell phone coverage in the Backbone Rock Recreation Area. Pavilions are cleaned by 10:00 a.m. the day of a reservation. Please make your own arrangements, if you plan to use the site before 10:00 a.m. Please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit, if your group size will be 75 people or more. Pavilion #1 has extensive parking for larger groups. Pavilion #2 can accommodate approximately 10 vehicles. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
Damascus, Virginia is five miles north of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs. |
| note |
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| orientationDescription |
Backbone Rock Recreation Area is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that ends abruptly at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is locally known as "The shortest tunnel in the world" as they travel along TN 133. |
| recreationDescription |
There is a trail that will take you to the top of Backbone Rock, following a stone-step wooded path. The trail crosses the rock and leads to Beaverdam Creek or Backbone Rock Falls. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail adjoins Backbone Rock Trail. Beaverdam Creek is known for its excellent fishing. |