Get To Know Your Local National Forests

Kingsport is a tried and true hub of National Forests. No matter which direction you head in, you’re sure to wind up in one of the area’s excellent and beautiful protected forests. Each offers stunning vistas and days worth of recreational activities. If the opportunity for adventure around Kingsport, Tennessee, has sparked your interest, check out this comprehensive guide to some of the incredible National Parks in the vicinity.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

This massive chunk of land offers a vast amount of opportunity for outdoor fun and recreation. If you’re looking to cool off with a swim in the hot summer months, this park includes several great beaches. Cole’s Point daytime recreation area includes a large swimming area as well as a large field for games, and there is a one-mile trail and a three-mile trail for hikers. The Bolar Mountain recreation area, Brandywine recreation area, and Beartree recreation area all have great beaches as well.

This National Forest is a true gem for fishing fanatics. With the wide variety of fish species available at several optimal bodies of water, it’s hard to argue against a day of fishing at these locations. Those with a boat can access miles of wooded shoreline for prime bass fishing. Other species include brown trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and pickerel. If you don’t have a boat, there are dozens of shoreline and pier-fishing opportunities at several recreational areas throughout the park.

If you’re looking to take advantage of camping opportunities in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The Clinch, Eastern Divide, Glenwood Pedlar, James River, Lee, North River, and Warm Springs ranger districts all have a multitude of campsites available, many of which include spaces to fit RVs. Hookup availability varies, so check ahead of time.

This National Forest is a top destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. Other recreational activities include winter sports, biking, horseback riding, and hunting.

Cherokee National Forest

Another popular National Forest in the Kingsport area is the Cherokee National Forest. There is a wide variety of water activities in this national forest. Swimming locations include the Chilhowee recreation area, Mac Point Beach, Parkville Beach, Indian Boundary recreational area, and Snook Branch beach. The wet-and-wild fun doesn’t end with a few swimming holes. World-class whitewater rafting, motorized and non-motorized boat access, and tubing are all available in the forest’s boundaries.

The forest has no shortage of fishable waters. You’ll find access to rivers, streams, secluded ponds, and large lakes all provide incredible angling opportunities to catch many of the same sought-after species as were listed in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The wide range of bodies of water creates exciting tests of skill for all levels of fisherman as well as peaceful and memorable vistas.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure in the Kingsport area, head to one of the two amazing National Forests listed above. Whether you’re looking to do some weekend camping with the family or are heading out on a longer outdoor adventure the area’s National Forests have just what you’re looking for.

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