Tri-Cities Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Three cities in northern Tennessee offer unlimited outdoor activities in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains.

Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol are Tennessee’s Tri-Cities. Forming a triangle at the state’s northeastern border with Virginia, they offer individual attractions and convenient access to the Appalachian Mountains and Crockett National Forest.

Holston River winds through Kingsport, providing outdoor activity opportunities. Follow the river south to Warriors’ Path State Park. Ride horseback, picnic, camp, golf or rent a kayak to explore the riverbanks.

Visit the multi-faceted Bays Mountain Park west of Kingsport to attend a planetarium show, tackle challenges of the adventure ropes course, hike on forest trails and watch wolf pups at the zoo.

Kingsport’s Exchange Place Living History Farm features a historic 1850’s farmstead visit during one of the five annual festivals to experience the changing seasons as our ancestors did.

Every July Kingsport hosts Fun Fest, a week-long festival of family-friendly events and activities. Ride in a colorful hot air balloon high over the city and attend concerts featuring country, Christian, rock and pop stars.

Head northeast to visit the Bristol Motor Speedway. With other activities throughout the year, the big event is August’s NASCAR race week. Join thousands for the racing as well as the camaraderie in the temporary village of race fans.

Other Bristol attractions are the underground Bristol Caverns and the TVA-built South Holston Dam, popular with humans and fish.

Near Johnson City at the triangle’s southern tip, go toRoan Mountain State Parkfor incredible views. Enjoy masses of rhododendron bursting into pink flowers each June and leaves changing colors during autumn.

East of the Tri-Cities, find theAppalachian MountainsandCherokee National Forest. Hike a few miles on the Appalachian Trail as it heads north to Virginia on its 2184-mile (3,514-kilometer) path from Georgia to Maine.

Reach the area via the Tri-Cities Regional Airport at the center of the triangle of the three cities. For a scenic trip, drive west from Boone, North Carolina to the Tri-Cities area on winding roads over the Appalachian Mountains. Be prepared for snow in winter and unending beauty year-round.

Carnegie Hotel & Spa

Carnegie Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1216 W State Of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN
The price is NZ$369 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
NZ$369
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,229 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr

Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr

2 out of 5
1100 Clinchfield Street, Johnson City, TN
The price is NZ$195 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$195
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Freedom Hall Civic Center and Liberty Bell ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (80 reviews)
"Very clean and excellent service."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr
Sleep Inn & Suites

Sleep Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2020 Franklin Terrace Court, Johnson City, TN
The price is NZ$178 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$178
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (712 reviews)
"The breakfast was great, the staff was very nice and accommodating. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi

Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi

Butler
Stay at this chalet in Butler. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Watson Island and Watauga Lake are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (174 reviews)
Nice quiet getaway
"Everything was as described. Beautiful views, beautiful house. All of your needs were met and more. We didnt have any issues, but I know if we did, Karen wouldve been rigjt there for us. Those stairs are no joke, though. If youre in shape, you wont have any issues. If youre older and not in shape, ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi
Overlook Watauga Lake, log cabin- BOAT DOCK, HOT TUB & FIRE PIT

Overlook Watauga Lake, log cabin- BOAT DOCK, HOT TUB & FIRE PIT

Butler
Stay at this cabin in Butler. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Watson Island and Watauga Lake Winery are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
"If you’re looking for seclusion but still be close to civilization, this was it. I was by myself taking a few days away from the family for a reset and it was fabulous. Very little traffic noise, actually there was hardly any. And there were fireflies at night. It was great"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Overlook Watauga Lake, log cabin- BOAT DOCK, HOT TUB & FIRE PIT
Lakeside Paradise!  Steps from the Water, NEW BOAT DOCK with your own Firepit.

Lakeside Paradise! Steps from the Water, NEW BOAT DOCK with your own Firepit.

Butler
Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Watson Island and Watauga Lake Winery are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Lake Getaway
"My family likes this property even more after a second stay. Clean, comfortable, and a new dock! Right on the lake, quiet, and plenty of outdoor activities available."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Lakeside Paradise! Steps from the Water, NEW BOAT DOCK with your own Firepit.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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