Gone Fishin’ – Three Places to Drop a Line near Kingsport

Though fishing is available at many local rivers and lakes, fishing at state parks has its benefits, like comfort, appropriate equipment and facilities, and options for other activities. For fishing options in Kingsport, check out one of these locales.

Warriors’ Path State Park

Located at 490 Hemlock Road, and named after the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path, the Warriors’ Path State Park gathers travelers and outdoorsy people from all over the country. The park features 950 acres of land, covering the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. The park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. It features an award-winning educational nature program and a golf course of national significance. This is the only state park in Tennessee with a Boundless Playground that gathers children of all physical and mental abilities.

Fishing is allowed at Fort Patrick Henry Lake, a man-made reservoir on the South Fork of the Holston River. Common fish species are bass, crappie, catfish, trout, and Hybrid Striped Bass. Anyone over the age of 13 must have a fishing license. Licenses can be obtained at local sporting goods stores, online at www.tnwildlife.org, or by calling 888-814-8972.

The park also offers many fun and unusual activities for children and adults alike. Learn about the story of Aslan of the Chronicles of Narnia when you hike the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, a quarter-mile trail featuring eight sensory stations. Other unique characteristics of the park include the fully-accessible Anderson Treehouse and the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater that has the capacity to host up to 1,000 people.

Boatyard Riverfront Park 

The park’s 19 acres are located at 2201 Netherland Inn Road, next to the South Fork of the Holston River. Boatyard Riverfront Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and is available for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The park has two fishing piers, one of which is handicap accessible. Fishing is permitted until 10:30 p.m. A fishing license is required.

Equipped with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and shelters, the park is a great place for barbecues and picnics with friends and family. There is a playground for children. Boatyard Riverfront includes a swinging bridge that connects to Long Island, water fountains, two boat ramps, and bicycle racks. From the park, you can access the Kingsport Greenbelt fitness trail.

Allandale Mansion

Located at 4444 W. Stone Drive, this Georgian mansion was built in 1950 on 500 acres of land that once belonged to Mr. Brooks. The grounds around the mansion used to be his farm for championship Black Angus cows and blue-ribbon Tennessee Walking horses. The mansion was given to the City of Kingsport in 1969 along with its original exquisite furniture, which is still there for visitors to see.

From sunrise to sunset, the property is now open to the public for touring, walking, picnicking, and fishing. Fishing is allowed from its two stocked ponds and requires a fishing license. This beautiful property also features a gazebo, an amphitheater, park benches, a pavilion, two rental barns, and picnic tables.

While you will have a good time dropping a line, these places offer more than fishing. Each offers its own amenities, so everyone in your family will have something fun to do.

Image by Lorri Lang from Pixabay

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