Backbone Rock Spur Trail

Trails Tennessee Backbone Rock Spur Trail

Tennessee · Johnson County

Backbone Rock Spur Trail

Connector spur in Backbone Rock area, easy access to falls and creeks.

Rating

Length

mi

Difficulty

5

County

Johnson

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Rogers Ridge Trail

Trail along ridgetops in the Watauga District

Time not available

Hurricane Knob Nature Trail

Short nature trail with forest interpretation.

Time not available

Virginia Creeper Trail

Long rail-trail through mountain valleys and trestles.

Time not available

About This Trail

Near Shady Valley, a short spur trail crosses over the narrow Backbone Rock formation to views of the surrounding Johnson County forest. Nearby, rock steps and walkways lead to multiple viewpoints of the 45-foot Backbone Falls cascading into Beaverdam Creek’s swimming holes below.

Location

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Coordinates: 36.5940052, -81.8140078

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Getting There

From Damascus, VA, take VA-716 south for 5 miles (it becomes TN-133 at the state line) to the Backbone Rock Recreation Area. The trailhead parking is on the left just before the tunnel through Backbone Rock.

Nearby Trails

Rogers Ridge Trail

Trail along ridgetops in the Watauga District

Hurricane Knob Nature Trail

Short nature trail with forest interpretation.

Virginia Creeper Trail

Long rail-trail through mountain valleys and trestles.

Little Oak Mountain Trail

Ascends Little Oak Mountain, with lake views, FS Trail 601, TI Trail 26.

Josiah Trail

Connector trail in Flint Mill area, linking ridges, FS 50, TI Trail 18.

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