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Sycamore Shoals Fort

Plan Your Visit

  Park Brochure
  Park Area Map
  Events and Programs

  Directions
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is located in Carter County on U.S. Highway 321, in Elizabethton, TN. Situated on the Watauga River, the 60-acre area is 30 miles from Interstate 81. From Exit 57 on I-81, take I-26 into Johnson City to Exit 24. Then take Highway 321/67, traveling approximately 6 miles into Elizabethton. Sycamore Shoals Historic Area is on the left.

  Hours of Operation
Visitor Center: Mon-Sat, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
and Sun, 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Park Activities

Hiking Trails Picnic Facilities

Get Involved

Photo Galleries

Sycamore Shoals Park Tour
Historical Programming
 
Outdoor Drama: "Liberty"
 

Colonial Kids at Fort Watauga - May 18

Families, schools, and home school groups are invited to this all-day event for kids ages 8-12. Join the Washington County Militia for a taste of 18th century life: black powder muskets, old-time games, marching drills, tomahawk throwing, Dutch-oven cooking, and a host of other colonial activities. Admission is free and groups are welcome, but space is limited. Reservations are required! Contact the park for more information at 423-543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is open from daylight to dark each day. The Visitors Center, which houses an interpretive facility with information, historic displays, and a theater, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Picnicking is available at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with tables and grills provided. A two-mile fitness trail constructed jointly between the park and adjacent hospital is also available.

Link to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Facebook site

Events and Programs

Programs vary year to year. Contact the Parks for current programs offered.

2012 Special Events Calendar

Hiking Trails

There is a two mile walking/fitness trail that follows the Watauga River. The trail also accesses Sycamore Shoals Hospital which is adjacent to the park

Park Map

Picnic Facilities

The park has one picnic area outside the Visitor Center that has 16 moveable picnic tables. Grills, water and electrical outlets are available.

Photo Gallery

Enjoy a quick movie tour of the park. This movie requires the Flash 6 plug-in. It may take a few moments to download so enjoy the Memory game while waiting! Click Here!

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome.