Warriors' Path State Park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. Since that time, the park land has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. The 950-acre area was acquired from the Tennessee Valley Authority is 1952, to serve the people who live in or visit this section of Northeast Tennessee. It is situated on the shores of TVA's Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River.

Anderson Treehouse opens on May 27
A new treehouse accessible to kids of all abilities opens on May 27, 2010, at the Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground at Warriors’ Path State Park. The Anderson Treehouse, named for benefactors Sam and DeLois Anderson, provides all children with the chance to play among the treetops, including those who have impaired sight or mobility. The ADA-compliant treehouse features a winding walkway that can be walked or navigated by wheelchair. Once kids reach the top, they can get a close-up view of birds and other critters in the trees through the treehouse’s binoculars, or they can use the binoculars to look out over the rest of the playground and other areas of the park. But the playground is more than just an outlet for kids and their seemingly endless energy. It’s a place where they can learn about trees, flowers, animals and birds – even insects. Through hands-on, interactive exhibits, kids, including the blind and sight-impaired, can learn how to identify trees, plants and flowers. They can also find out how to identify frogs and birds by their “songs,” feel the holes made in a tree by woodpeckers, and learn about the lifecycles of amphibians. All of this combined makes for a well-rounded learning experience that is also fun for the kids. The Anderson Treehouse at Warriors’ Path State Park is the first accessible treehouse in a state park in the United States. It is also the first treehouse built in connection with a Boundless Playground and Braille Trail. The design of the treehouse used locally harvested oak and hickory trees, as well as locally sawn pine for structural and decorative elements. The hardware used in creating the structure does not harm the living trees in which the treehouse sits.

Darrell's Dream Boundless Playground opened at Warriors' Path in April 2007 featuring a variety of outdoor recreation experiences for children of all abilities. Warriors' Path was the first state park in the nation to provide a Boundless Playground for visitors. A Lions Narnia Braille Trail opened at Warriors' Path on April 14, 2009 with eight sensory stations along a quarter-mile, wheelchair-accessible Trail that tell visitors the story of Aslan, the lion in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia fantasy. Each station has an exhibit, a large-print sign with Braille, and speaker with push button that activates an audio theatrical recording.

Biking

Bicycles are welcome on park roads and many bikers enjoy the paved path around Duck Island. There are over 8.5 miles of scenic and challenging biking trails available for public use.

Mountain Bike Trail Map

Boating/Marina

Pleasure boating and water skiing are very popular on Patrick Henry Reservoir. Boats available for rental at the marina include paddle boats and canoes. Two public use ramps are located at the park marina with a snack bar located inside. A small ramp for camper use only is in the campground. Boat launching ramps are free of charge. The marina has 54 uncovered slips available for rent. Also available at the marina is a service dock and fuel.

Tennessee Boating Regulations (exit TDEC)

Camping

The park has 134 campsites, all with tables and grills, and 94 are equipped with water and electric hookups. The other 40 sites are located in the overflow campground which is only open from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Modern bathhouses provide hot showers and lavatories. There are 2 dumping stations available for self-contained RV's and Trailer rigs. Campsites are available on first-come, first-served basis. Length of stay is two weeks year around. The campground check-in station is located near the campground entrance.

Events and Programs

The staff at Warriors' Path offer a variety of programs both at the park and at school. Check out these links for more information: (all schedules are in .pdf format)

Program Schedule for 2010
Events for July 19 - July 25
Events for July 26 - August 1
Events for August 2 - August 8
Schedule a Program for Your School
Winter Garden Seminar - January
Spring Nature Festival - April
1st Annual Dragon Fly Day - June 12
Folklife Festival - July 31
Environmental Education Workshop - October
Adopt A Tree - December

Information Brochures
Flowers at the Park
Birds at the Park

Fishing

Year-round lake fishing can be enjoyed at Warriors' Path. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required. Catches generally include crappie, bream, bass, trout and catfish.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations (exit TDEC)
Tennessee State Parks fishing policies

Hiking Trails

Nearly 12-miles of trails meander through park woodlands offering great views, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and a richness of typical East Tennessee forests, fields and wetlands. The paved walking path around Duck Island is fully accessible, and other fully accessible trails are in the planning stages. Several other trails are also under development and one that includes a small boardwalk through the Sinking Waters wetland area.

Hiking Trail Map (.pdf format)
Lake Shore Trail - Self Guiding Booklet

Horseback Riding

A good selection of riding horse and ponies are available at the park stables. The riding trail winds through interesting and scenic woodlands to make your guided ride an entertaining experience. Guest may board their own horses at the stables bases on space availability. Please contact the park for more information.

For more information call: 423-323-8543, seasonal operation.

Picnic Facilities

Warriors' Path is one of the most popular picnic areas in the state. Thirty-seven picnic tables with grills are scattered along the park's lakeshore. The picnic tables are easily accessible to restrooms, water fountains, concession stands and playgrounds.

There are five picnic pavilions available to rent for large groups. Pavilions may be rented up to one year in advance.

Call for information on Pavilion rental: 423-239-8531

Playground

The park has a boundless playground which caters to kids of all ages and abilities. The playground is open year around and restrooms are provided. The playground also has a covered shelter with picnic tables for public use. No reservations taken. For more information contact the park office 423-239-8531

Swimming

The park has an olympic-sized swimming pool adjacent to the camping area. The pool is open from Memorial Day through mid-August. All park public pools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, except Holiday weeks. Please call the park for those schedules. Camping guests will pay half price for admission to the pool. There is a lifeguard on duty during swimming hours.

Disc Golf

The disc golf course has been a very popular recreational facility at the park for several years. It is a fun and challenging course with 22 holes open at this time. The local disc golf association does a great job of maintaining the course and holds frequent competitions. The course is considered as one of the best in the state!

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome to the park.