Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The pavilion and vault toilets closed on October 31, 2025. Typically reopens in spring. Gates are open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. when operational. Hiking trails remain open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Scioto Shooting Range Safety Closure December 30
Forest Service staff plan to conduct hazard tree mitigation at the Scioto Shooting Range on December 30. The range will be closed on December 30 while crews address hazardous trees at the site. Shooting will not be allowed at Scioto Shooting Range on December 30.
Little Sylco Project closes portion of FS 221
The US Forest Service plans to disrupt access to portions of FS 221 beginning Nov. 10 south of Parksville Lake while permanent water crossing repairs are completed to improve access across the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County.
Little Milligan Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Planned
Temporary closure for Little Milligan Boat Ramp Recreation Area is planned to start in the fall of 2025 for visitor health and safety during logging operations. A specific start date for the closure is to be determined.
About
Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions is located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson County within Cherokee National Forest. The site features a large pavilion constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, incorporating native stonework and historic architecture. The pavilion sits adjacent to an expansive field and is a popular location for family reunions and group gatherings. Backbone Rock gets its name from a spur ridge on Holston Mountain that abruptly ends at a bend in Beaverdam Creek. A tunnel was drilled through the rock in 1901 to allow railroad access between Shady Valley, Tennessee and Damascus, Virginia. Motorists pass through what locals call "The Shortest Tunnel in the World" as they travel along TN 133. The recreation area includes hiking trails with stone-step paths that lead to the top of Backbone Rock, cross the rock formation, and continue to 45-foot Backbone Falls. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail adjoins the Backbone Rock Trail system. Beaverdam Creek is known for excellent trout fishing opportunities.
Directions
From Bristol, TN take US 421 south for 20 miles to Shady Valley. Turn left onto TN 133 for eight miles to Backbone Rock 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 716 becomes TN 133 at the state line).
Nearby Campgrounds
- Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions 0.0mi
- Beartree Recreation Area 9.0mi
- Jacobs Creek Campground 11mi
- Beartree 11mi
- Little Oak Campground 15mi
- Elk Knob State Park 19mi
- Grindstone 16mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground 17mi
- Grayson Highlands State Park Backpack Parking Campground 17mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (423) 735-1547 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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