Discover Elizabethton

Elizabethton offers several themes to consider when planning your trip: historic architecture, self-guided tours, trails, and activities on the Watauga River. If you’re looking for a hotel in Elizabethton, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Historic Sites and Buildings

The Covered Bridge in downtown Elizabethton was built in 1882 and spans the Doe River for 134 feet. It is listed in the Historic American Engineering Record and the National Register of Historic Places.

Carter Mansion was built by John Carter in 1780. It is considered the oldest timber-framed house in Tennessee. Timber framing is a construction method in which an exposed wooden framework forms the building’s structure, with the spaces between the timbers filled in. Sabine Hill in Elizabethton is an example of Federal architecture in Tennessee. Its colorful interior features rich architectural detail and offers a different focus from the timber-frame construction of Carter Mansion.

The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park offers year-round tours of the Sabine Hill State Historic Site. Tour availability depends on events, so check the events calendar before your visit.

The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is also dedicated to the history of the region. It features an interpretive museum and a film about the history of the site and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. On September 25, Sycamore Shoals was one of the main gathering places of the Overmountain Men. A certified trail segment at the site passes the Watauga River ford, the muster field, and a reconstruction of Fort Watauga. The museum and film convey the region’s history, while the certified trail segment connects it with specific places along the route. The perspectives therefore differ: one focuses on historical context, while the other highlights a walk to the places mentioned.

Tours and Trails

The Downtown Elizabethton Walking Tour is a self-guided tour of historically significant landmarks. Tour booklets are available at the Elizabethton/Carter County Visitor Center, and a virtual guide is also available.

The Linear Park Trail is a six-mile paved trail. It starts at Eastside Elementary School and ends at the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. There are picnic tables, benches, and bike racks along the trail.

Activities on the Watauga River

The Watauga River offers opportunities for trout fishing, rafting, and kayaking. The section below Wilbur Dam begins in Elizabethton; its lower stretch is known as the “Trophy Stream.” These details refer to different areas: trout fishing, rafting, and kayaking are mentioned for the Watauga River, while “Trophy Stream” refers to the lower stretch of the section below Wilbur Dam.

For the broader travel overview: Carter.