Overview

The pavilion at Backbone Rock Recreation Area is a popular location for family reunions 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, picnic tables, dumpsters, and vault toilets. 

Facilities

There is a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) -era pavilion, picnic tables and grills. The pavilion includes a stone fireplace and several large picnic tables with additional tables and grills nearby. Vault toilets are located within the parking area.   

Natural Features

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, TN and Damascus, VA. Motorists pass through what is locally known as "The shortest tunnel in the world" as they travel along TN 133. 

Recreation

Nearby Attractions

Damascus, Virginia is five miles North of Backbone Rock for any in-town needs.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• The pavilions are open on a first come first serve basis.

• 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.

• If your group size will be 75 people or more, please call the Watauga Ranger District at 423-735-1500 to apply for a special use permit. Pavilion #1 has extensive parking for larger groups.

• You are in Bear Country. Please adhere to the Cherokee National Forest Food and Refuse Storage Requirements. All food (unless actively being prepared and/or eaten), trash, and other scented items (hygiene products, pet food, etc) must be stored in a bear-resistant container (closed hard top vehicle or travel trailer) or suspended at least 12 ft. off the ground and 6 ft. from limbs. Please read the entire Food Storage Order located under the Facility Information tab and Additional Information section or by reading the Food Storage Order posted at the campground. Any campsites not in compliance will receive a ticket.

• All pets must be on a 6' leash at all times. Owners must pick up after their pets, and all pet waste disposed of properly.  

• The two CCC-Era pavilions underwent historic renovations which were completed September 2024.   

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

• Use designated fire rings for all fires. Do not build additional fire rings. No burning plastic or other non-wood materials except local wood in fire pits and charcoal in grills.

• It is your responsibility to read, know, understand, and follow all day-use area specific rules and regulations which are posted at the day-use area.  

Available Activities

• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Swimming - Swimming
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

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).

Contact Information

Phone: 423-735-1500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip