Tri-Cities Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Three cities in northern Tennessee offer unlimited outdoor activities in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains.

Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol are Tennessee’s Tri-Cities. Forming a triangle at the state’s northeastern border with Virginia, they offer individual attractions and convenient access to the Appalachian Mountains and Crockett National Forest.

Holston River winds through Kingsport, providing outdoor activity opportunities. Follow the river south to Warriors’ Path State Park. Ride horseback, picnic, camp, golf or rent a kayak to explore the riverbanks.

Visit the multi-faceted Bays Mountain Park west of Kingsport to attend a planetarium show, tackle challenges of the adventure ropes course, hike on forest trails and watch wolf pups at the zoo.

Kingsport’s Exchange Place Living History Farm features a historic 1850’s farmstead visit during one of the five annual festivals to experience the changing seasons as our ancestors did.

Every July Kingsport hosts Fun Fest, a week-long festival of family-friendly events and activities. Ride in a colourful hot air balloon high over the city and attend concerts featuring country, Christian, rock and pop stars.

Head northeast to visit the Bristol Motor Speedway. With other activities throughout the year, the big event is August’s NASCAR race week. Join thousands for the racing as well as the camaraderie in the temporary village of race fans.

Other Bristol attractions are the underground Bristol Caverns and the TVA-built South Holston Dam, popular with humans and fish.

Near Johnson City at the triangle’s southern tip, go toRoan Mountain State Parkfor incredible views. Enjoy masses of rhododendron bursting into pink flowers each June and leaves changing colours during autumn.

East of the Tri-Cities, find theAppalachian MountainsandCherokee National Forest. Hike a few miles on the Appalachian Trail as it heads north to Virginia on its 2184-mile (3,514-kilometre) path from Georgia to Maine.

Reach the area via the Tri-Cities Regional Airport at the centre of the triangle of the three cities. For a scenic trip, drive west from Boone, North Carolina to the Tri-Cities area on winding roads over the Appalachian Mountains. Be prepared for snow in winter and unending beauty year-round.

Sleep Inn & Suites

Sleep Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2020 Franklin Terrace Court, Johnson City, TN
The price is AU$155 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$155
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (765 reviews)
"Room had a moldy smell when we entered, we opened the window in an attempt to air it out. Whatever cleaning products that are used are overpowering when you walk in to front desk."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Sleep Inn & Suites
Carnegie Hotel & Spa

Carnegie Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1216 W State Of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN
The price is AU$353 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$353
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,269 reviews)
"The fastest check in ever. Great staff, efficient and welcoming."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr

Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr

2 out of 5
1100 Clinchfield Street, Johnson City, TN
The price is AU$159 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$159
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Freedom Hall Civic Center and Liberty Bell ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (132 reviews)
"Very close convenient location, super clean , comfortable."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Johnson City Medical Cr
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
⚡️ Relaxing Cabin studio, in ❤️ of the Tri Cities.

⚡️ Relaxing Cabin studio, in ❤️ of the Tri Cities.

Bluff City
Stay at this cabin in Bluff City. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet stayed 5 nights and doing a return trip for our wedding."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

⚡️ Relaxing Cabin studio, in ❤️ of the Tri Cities.
Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi

Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi

Butler
Stay at this chalet in Butler. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Watson Island and Watauga Lake are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
"The place was super clean. We loved having access to the lake. I used it to fish the cove a bit. We didn't use the watercraft at all but they were very conveniently located. We really enjoyed the fire pit in the fall weather. The karaoke machine is also a ton of fun!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi
Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin

Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin

Johnson City
Stay at this cabin in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sycamore Shoals State Park and Elk Crossing are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
"Amazing views of river!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Watauga River Cabins Sycamore Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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