Tennessee State Parks

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

Park Information

Photo Galleries

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

19th annual Ft. Watauga Seige - May 18 & 19

Step back to a vibrant and dangerous time…America declares Independence in the summer of 1776, and people beyond the mountains build forts, stock powder, and sharpen hatchets for the oncoming war. Walk among local legends—the vivacious Bonnie Kate, mysterious Old Abram, dignified Col. Carter, and daring John Sevier—for a glimpse of life on this “dark and bloody ground.” Colonial, native, and British re-enactors share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life. Battle re-enactments both days. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET. Contact the park for details. For more information call 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.

2013 Special Events Calendar

2013 Winter Arts Workshops (Jan.-Mar.)

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.