backbone rock

mg362

It is amazing that trains used to pass through this structure....so cool....you can hike up to the top or walk through the narrow pass...it is worth the trip for any age. Plus, you can play in the river below.

micarooni

There are steps up and up and up and then you are on a fairly flat rock with rails to keep you from falling off and great views. You are not right on the edge and it felt very secure to me.

susanc64

Nice place to stop and climb up on the rock over the highway. Also a nice place to take a picnic by a stream and let the children play in the river's edge.

hungryg395

So much to do so close to your car. We live about 10 minutes away in Damascus and visit Backbone Rock often. Free parking and no fees.If you just want cool pictures and a few quick hikes, go up the stairs from the large parking and take the trail over the road to the creek on the other side. There's a large covered patio with a fireplace (book it for parties), BBQ grills, tables, and you can swim in the creek on a warm day. Then walk up the road to the small lot and hike up to the top of Backbone falls. The path will take you to the bottom of the falls and back to the road almost where you started. The falls are tall and thin, and there's a great wet/woodsy/earthy smell there. My family and friends spent half a day there and the kids just loved it. It was a cold day but the creek still called us in... Only up to our knees. There were rock climbers rappelling while we were there. It's a great place for some easy bouldering. We took the boys climbing about 50 feet along the creek. It was quite a challege and safe since we could only fall about 1 foot into the water. But it was still real free climbing (to my 9 year old). Love this place.

Pinehurst_NCTeacher

During our stay in Abingdon, Virginia I wanted to seek out any local venues that others might bypass. I learned about Backbone Rock on the internet but couldn't tell what to expect. Even though it was a drizzly day when we went, it would be our only chance. We loved climbing the stone staircase. I had the shivers while venturing across the narrow rock bridge that crosses over the Tennessee highway (I have a healthy fear of heights-- when not enclosed). But it was worth the chills for the view I got. Our time was limited so we didn't follow the trail to Backbone Rock Waterfall. I wish we had, but we'll be in the area again and will check it out. The nearby stream and picnic area seemed very nice, and we'll do more strolling next time.

amountainlady

Don't blink or you'll miss it!Hike over it, or rappel down the sideRight next to a great fly fishing stream - Beaver Dam Creek

Jerry_Rita

A unique place to see. Beautiful anytime of year. A good place to rock climb if you are into that. A nice hike across the top of the rock, but many steps to climb, beware. Also a short little hike to a nice waterfall. There are picnic tables on either side of the road. Also there is a river that flows alongside the picnic area. Good day trip from Virginia, Tennessee or North Carolina. Grab the cooler some food and cold drinks and come spend the day.

MikeK125

I spent almost every weekend in Backbone Rock park as a young child. My grandparents would bring us to picknick, fish, and explore. We always had a great time. I took my wife for a visit to the area in April. We visited the park and it brought back great memories. We hiked to the top of the rock, hiked to the waterfall but could not fish. The area had recent rain and the stream was a torent.

KreativeKristy

We head to backbone rock every fall when the leaves are turning. It is one of the prettiest sites around and is almost never very crowded. There are nice picnic areas on both sides of the road and the river flows right through the picnic area. It is beautiful ANY time of year, but it is a MUST on our list EVERY fall!

TNAnia

Small park area that's a great stop on the way to Damascus or Shady Valley. The short hike to the top of the rock affords some nice treetop views.

kthywin

I didn't know what to expect at Backbone Rock, but it was really a lovely spot, and the "backbone" is actually a bridge carved out of the rock . If you are brave like my daughter, you can climb up a carved out stairway to the top of the rock, and walk across the top of the bridge. This is part of a large recreational area beside a stream, with picnic areas and tables, and signs warning that bears are "active in the area"...we didn't see any, though. But the leaves were beautiful, and the weather was very nice for exploring around the area.

BarbaraH471

My husband and I were just driving looking at the fall leaves and came upon this place. What a nice surprise. We hiked up to the top and across to the other side. Very relaxing and a nice get away. Really pretty place and easy to climb.

927KenR

It is a beautiful, quiet park. Clear mountain creek. If you like nature, this is the place. get out and walk the trails. Great motorcycle trip.

Ocraholic

Backbone Rock trail can be treacherous on slippery leaves. Great day trip for a family with nice picnic area and stream. Pretty in the fall.

103MichaelF

Was really disappointed that there was not more to do. Sorry just wasn't somewhere I would travel back too.