5 Hillside Hikes Around Kingsport

Tennessee is known for its rolling mountains and beautiful scenery. One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is to take a hike. If you’re interested in doing some hiking around Kingsport, check out a few of these top trails.

Kingsport Greenbelt

Those who enjoy getting outside and exploring nature should consider the excellent multi-use trail that Kingsport Greenbelt has to offer. This 9-mile paved trail runs along the Holston River and Reedy Creek and connects residential neighborhoods, downtown commercial districts, and local parks. As the trail meanders through the landscape, you’ll have an opportunity to view wetlands from the boardwalk, look for birds in the meadows, and check out some of the historical sites around the city.

Warriors’ Path State Park

The 950-acre Warriors’ Path State Park was named for the path that the Iroquois used during war raids with the Cherokee and other tribes. Today, the park is an exceptional place to enjoy some hiking. Here you’ll find 12 miles of hiking trails that take you along peaceful streams, up to high bluffs, and through shaded forests. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot a variety of native wildlife and wildflowers. If you’re looking for an easy walk, consider the 0.5-mile Lakeshore Trail. For something a little more strenuous, check out the 2.9-mile Sinking Waters Trail.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

The scenic Bays Mountain Park stretches across 3,550 pristine acres on Bays Mountain in Kingsport. As this park offers over 39 miles of beautiful hiking trails that cover almost the entire park, it is a fantastic place to learn about diverse ecosystems and the wildlife that lives there, including wolves, bobcats, and raptors. For one of the best views in the park, take the 0.7-mile Fire Tower Trail to the top of the fire tower. If you want to enjoy views of the Kingsport Reservoir, head out on the 2.3-mile Lakeside Trail. Those who are interested in the stars and planets may want to also visit the state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater at the Nature Center.

Laurel Run Park

Laurel Run Park is situated right next to Bays Mountain Park and offers just as many excellent hiking opportunities. If you love waterfalls, you can take the 20-minute hike to Kiner Creek Falls or you can opt for the 20-minute hike to the scenic Laurel Falls. For a unique perspective of the surrounding area, take a hike up to the 300-foot overlook that rises above the park. From here, you’ll be able to see old homesteads, a smokehouse, an unfinished cabin, and more.

Buffalo Mountain Park

Located about 30 minutes south of Kingsport, Buffalo Mountain Park is a hilly area with forested hiking trails that take you to everything from plummeting waterfalls to panoramic overlooks. For a challenge, take the 4.5-mile White Rock Trail loop. Along the way, you can stop by the overlooks at Huckleberry Knob and Tip Top for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

No matter what type of hike you’re interested in taking, you’ll find plenty of great trails around Kingsport that provide gorgeous landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.

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