Washington County, TN
Washington County, Tennessee is a beautiful and historic region that has a lot to offer visitors. From stunning natural landscapes to unique cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in this corner of the Volunteer State. In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Washington County.
Rocky Mount State Historic Site
Located just outside the city of Johnson City, Rocky Mount State Historic Site is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of early America. The site features a reconstructed 18th-century farmstead, complete with a furnished log house, loom house, blacksmith shop, and other outbuildings.
Visitors can take guided tours of the site, which provide a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers in the region. There are also special events held at Rocky Mount throughout the year, including living history demonstrations, holiday celebrations, and educational programs.
Gray Fossil Site & Hands On! Discovery Center
The Gray Fossil Site is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Gray, Tennessee, just north of Johnson City. The site is a former sinkhole that contains many fossils including the remains of ancient plants, animals, and even a few prehistoric horses.
Visitors to the Gray Fossil Site can take a guided tour of the active dig site, where they can watch paleontologists at work and even participate in a simulated dig. The site also features a museum with exhibits on the history of the site and the animals that once lived in our area.
The Hands On! Discovery Center is an interactive science museum located inside the Gray Fossil museum. The Center features a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities that are designed to engage visitors of all ages.
East Tennessee State University and the Reece Museum
East Tennessee State University is a major institution of higher education located in Johnson City. The university is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Reece Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Appalachian region.
The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts, including furniture, clothing, and folk art. There are also a number of rotating exhibits on a variety of topics, as well as educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Buffalo Mountain Park
Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre park located just outside of Johnson City. The park features a number of hiking trails that wind through forests of oak, hickory, and pine, as well as open meadows and scenic overlooks.
One of the highlights of Buffalo Mountain Park is the Fire Tower Trail, which leads to the top of Buffalo Mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are also a number of picnic areas and other amenities available for visitors to enjoy.
Buffalo Mountain ATV trail
A popular destination, just past Harvey Family Farm, is the Buffalo Mountain All-Terrain-Vehicle trail. This 13 mile linear trail is popular with ATVs, but we also get a lot of cyclists who use the trail then coast down the road, right in front of the Farm.
Historic Jonesborough
Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, and it's home to several historic attractions that are worth a visit. The town's Main Street Historic District is a charming area filled with historic buildings, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Some of the top attractions in Jonesborough include the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, and the International Storytelling Center. Visitors can also take a guided walking tour of the town to learn more about its history and culture.
Jonesborough is one of my favorites, because Scott & I have lived in Jonesborough since we married in 2015.
Nolichucky River
The Nolichucky River is a scenic waterway that winds through Washington County and offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. The river is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, but it’s also a beautiful place to just sit & enjoy nature.
Harvey Family Farm
Don’t forget to add Harvey Family Farm to your “to do” list! We offer pick-your-own flowers throughout the growing season and you can visit the farm at your own convenience. You’ll find fresh, beautiful flowers, and stunning local landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful farm setting while you pick your own bouquet.