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 colorful 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 colors 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-kilometer) path from Georgia to Maine.

Reach the area via the Tri-Cities Regional Airport at the center 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.

Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Carnegie Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
1216 W State Of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$296 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$296
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (1,090 reviews)
"Lovely old hotel. Just across from East Tennessee. The baseball field is only a 3 minute drive."

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

Carnegie Hotel & Spa
La Quinta Inn and Suites
La Quinta Inn and Suites
2.5 out of 5
10150 Airport Pkwy, Blountville, TN
The price is AU$182 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$182
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Blountville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"So. So. Had to get key entry several times. No fruit at breakfast."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

La Quinta Inn and Suites
Red Roof Inn Johnson City
Red Roof Inn Johnson City
2 out of 5
210 Broyles Drive E, Johnson City, TN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$131 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$131
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Check in was a smooth process, room was excellent no complaints what’s so ever."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Red Roof Inn Johnson City
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, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol ...
10/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Great place to stay
"We really enjoyed our short stay here, everything was nice and clean and it had everything we needed! Very convenient location to Bristol and surrounding areas. We really appreciate how accommodating the hosts were!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 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 patios. Popular attractions Watson Island and Watauga Lake are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
Quiet Remote Stay
"Our stay was during the middle of the week and we had the lake to ourselves. The cabin is remote with no major roads or traffic noise, but other cabins nearby. It was a perfect relaxing getaway."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Secluded LAKEFRONT Chalet: 2.8acres, Dock, Kayaks and Canoe, Pet Friendly, Wifi
Magnolia Cabin
Magnolia Cabin
Johnson City
Stay at this cabin in Johnson City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Sycamore Shoals State Park and Elk Crossing are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Just what we needed
"This was SO perfect. Just what we needed. Peaceful setting by the Watauga. Close enough to town to get eat/shop/etc., but super quiet cabin. I imagine if the guests in the big cabin were loud or rowdy it might be less so but that absolutely wasn't the case this past weekend. We are saving this listing ..."

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

Magnolia 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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Cities near Tri-Cities