Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
PARK WEATHER
  • Autumn scene with vibrant yellow and orange leaves on trees, wooden benches on fallen leaves, and rustic cabins in the background. Warm, serene atmosphere.
    • Book Now
    Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, encompassing 75.78 acres, invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Tennessee. More than just a pretty landscape, this park is where pivotal events unfolded that shaped the state and the nation. From exploring a reconstructed fort to wandering through historic homes, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park offers a unique blend of outdoor beauty and historical significance that you won’t soon forget.
    More About the Park

    Explore the Park

    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety

      Visitors should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when visiting the park. The Watauga River's level and CFS are managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Wilbur Dam. While park rangers post signage regularly on river conditions, water release schedules can change without notice due to unanticipated weather changes or power requirements. Although rare, black bear sightings have occurred along the trails. All encounters to date have been non-aggressive. We encourage visitors to follow standard bear safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    • Accessibility

      Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park strives to make its facilities and programs accessible to all visitors. The park offers accessible parking and trails, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enjoy the park's natural and cultural resources. 

      More Accessibility Information

    • Responsible Recreation

      Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation — encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations.  

      Find Out How

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.  

    Address:
    1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton TN, 37643
    1-423-543-5808

    Hours: 
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Featured Park Attractions

      • Historic two-story white wooden house with a red door, stone foundation, surrounded by lush green trees and grass under a partly cloudy sky.

      Carter Mansion

      Step inside the oldest frame house in Tennessee and discover the stories of early settlement life, architecture, and the complex history of the Carter family — including their interactions with Native Americans and enslaved people.  

      Learn More
      • A rustic log cabin sits in a serene park during autumn. A winding path leads through vibrant foliage in hues of red, orange, and yellow under a cloudy sky.

      Fort Watauga

      Explore a reconstructed 18th-century fort that tells the story of early settlement life and the Cherokee War of 1776. As you wander the grounds, you’ll get a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who first called this land home. If you time your visit well, the fort also acts as a backdrop to the annual production of Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals.  

      • Historic white house with a red door and wreath, surrounded by snow-covered trees, under a bright blue sky. Wintery, peaceful atmosphere.

      Sabine Hill

      Hailed as one of the finest examples of wood-framed Federal architecture in the State Of Tennessee, Sabine Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places.  

      Read More
      • A group of men in historic, colonial-era clothing wade through a shallow river, carrying muskets. The scene conveys a sense of determination and unity.

      Living History and Re-enactments

      Step into a moment in time as history unfolds before your eyes through engaging living history demonstrations. Experience the drama and excitement of historical events through captivating re-enactments that transport you back in time, allowing you to witness pivotal moments in the region's history.  

    Park Activities

    Park Amenities

    • Birding
    • Fishing
    • Gift Shop
    • Trails
    • Museum
    • Visitor Center
    • All-Terrain Wheelchair

    Inspiration

    • Three yellow trout lily wildflowers bloom on a forest floor surrounded by green leaves

      Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt

      Spring blooms brighten our hiking trails and support pollinators and wildlife. Explore 14 wildflowers and the Tennessee state parks where you can find them.
      Read Article
    • Tree-lined road with autumn leaves scattered on the pavement.

      Tennessee State Park Road Trips

      Road Trips are great because they’re flexible. We pre-planned five road trips packed with Tennessee State Parks, incredible outdoor adventures, history, and overnight stays.
      Read Article
    Get Inspired

    Venues

      • Empty auditorium with a low stage, U.S. flag, and state flag. Soft overhead lights create a calm atmosphere. Potted plants and a podium frame the stage.

      Sycamore Shoals Meeting Room

      The Gathering Place Community Room is located inside the Sycamore Shoals State Park Visitor Center. This large venue has a stage and audiovisual equipment that makes it perfect for any event, meeting, or presentation. The capacity is approximately 120 presentation-style and up to 70 seated around tables.  

      Capacity: 70-120
      Minimum Rental: Half-day
      Availability: Year-round
      Rates: Half-Day: $130
      Monday – Thursday $200
      Friday – Sunday $215

      Rates are subject to change. Taxes and fees not included. Please contact the park office directly for detailed pricing, reservations, and more information. 

      • Outdoor park pavilion with picnic tables and barbecue grill.

      Pavilions

      Sycamore Shoals State Park has three picnic pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering. Restrooms are not available at the shelters.  

      Capacity: 35 

      Amenities: four picnic tables (one wheelchair accessible), grill, electricity, trash receptacles, and water nearby 

      Rates: $60 

    Pavilion Must-Know Information

    • Reservations

      Full-day pavilion reservations may be made online or by calling the park. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee.  

    • Cancellations

      There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations cancelled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations cancelled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees. 

    • Extra Structures

      Do not put up tents or other structures along the side of the entrance road, in the field, or around the shelters. If your event requires a larger area, or more structures, reserve our Expanded Area Package.  

    • Expanded Area Package

      This package is ideal for larger groups. It includes all three shelters (Dogwood, Redbud and Sweetgum) with the use of the large field beside the shelters. To rent this area or learn more, please call the park at 1-423-543-5808.  

    For Schools

    Engage your students in a hands-on learning experience with Ranger-led or teacher-led programs at Tennessee State Parks.  

    Request a Program

    DIAMOND

    More Sustainability Information

  • Energy Efficiency

    Conducted an energy audit to assess usage and currently tracking use to identify areas of improvement.  

  • Geothermal Heating

    The Sabine Hill historic house museum is heated and cooled with a geothermal system, concentrating naturally existing heat within the earth to provide natural climate control from a clean, reliable and renewable energy source.  

  • Protect Habitats

    Prohibit gas motors to protect water quality and reduce noise. Partner with Americorps for historic preservation, invasive species removal and trail building. 

    • Gift Shops and Stores

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    1651 W Elk Avenue
    Elizabethton, TN 37643
    United States

    Hours

    Daily
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Contact Information

    Sycamore Shoals State Park (Main)

    1651 W. Elk Avenue
    Elizabethton, TN 37643
    United States

    1-423-543-5808
    Hours

    Daily
    8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Additional Information

    Reservations & Information 
    1-888-TN-PARKS
    1-888-867-2757