Things To Do

“He’s a heading west to the Cumberland Gap, to Johnson City, Tennessee!” -Wagon Wheel

Downtown Square

Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee was once known as the “Little Chicago” where it’s rumored that famous mobster Al Capone used to come to deal in the illegal alcohol business. Nowadays, downtown Johnson City is becoming a micro industrial-chic destination. (Much like what Asheville would’ve been before it exploded in popularity in the late ’90s and early 2000s).

Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain has so many amazing views it was the obvious choice for the top spot on our best scenic overlooks near Johnson City list. Although there are incredible views throughout all of Roan Mountain, if you want the absolute best views the mountain has to offer, you’ll want to head to Carver’s Gap on the Tennessee / North Carolina border. From here with a short .4 mile hike to Round Bald, you can see near 360 degree views that have been compared to those of the Swiss Alps. And if that’s not enough for you, take the storied Appalachian Trail out to Grassy Ridge Bald, which is a 4.7 mile out and back hike with beautiful vistas throughout.

Johnson City Brewing Company

Drink a homebrewed beer at Johnson City Brewing Company!

Tweetsie Trail

Ride bikes on the historic Tweetsie Trail!

Nolichucky River

Go tubing down the Nolichucky River & Watauga River!

Buffalo Mountain

Hike Buffalo Mtn!