Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions in TN -- Campground & RV Camping

Backbone Rock Recreation Area sits along Beaverdam Creek in Johnson County, centered around a spur ridge tunnel excavated in 1901 for railroad passage. The day-use grounds feature an open field, a large Civilian Conservation Corps stone-fireplace pavilion, standalone picnic tables, accessible grills, vault toilets, and parking. A stone-step trail climbs over the rock structure, linking directly to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Beaverdam Creek fishing access, and Backbone Rock Falls. Damascus, Virginia is located five miles to the north.

Getting there: From Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to the recreation area. From Abingdon, VA, take US 58 east for 15 miles to Damascus. Turn right onto VA 716 for five miles to the recreation area (VA 178 becomes TN 133 at the state line).

• Moderately separated here.
• Backbone Branch runs 0.3 mi off.
• Morfield Ridge stands 1,308 ft above the map pin, 1.8 miles southeast.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.

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