Attractions - Scenic & Historic

Covered Bridge | Sycamore Shoals | Carter Mansion | Walking Tour
Appalachian Trail | Rhododendron Gardens

Fall Driving Tours

Elizabethton and Carter County, originally known as the Watauga Settlement, was first settled in 1769. Located on the Watauga River and centered around the Sycamore Shoals river crossing, this was the first of four permanent settlements located west of the Appalachian Mountains. Carter County was established in 1796 when Tennessee achieved statehood and was named for Landon Carter, the son of John Carter, one of the first settlers. Elizabethton, the county seat established in 1799, was named for Landon's wife, Elizabeth Maclin Carter.

Elizabethton's Covered Bridge
Stretching across the beautifully flowing, clear and cool water of the Doe River, Elizabethton's Covered Bridge is one of Elizabethton's premier and most photographed attractions. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites.

Built in 1882, the Covered Bridge is believed to be the oldest such bridge that is still in use for pedestrians. Constructed at a cost of $3,000 by contractor Dr. E. E. Hunter, George Lindamood and three carpenters, it spans the river for 134 feet, resting on earth and limestone abutments. Hunter hired Colonel Thomas Matson, who had engineered the elevated railroad tracks in New York City, to design the bridge and serve as construction chief. The original structure was made entirely of wood; mainly mountain oak and white pine beams that were hauled down the steep slopes of the mountains by draft horses and mules, weatherboard of mountain poplar, and shingles cleaved by mallet from chestnut. Hand forged steel spikes and hand threaded bolts fastened together the massive pieces of oak flooring. Termed an "engineering feat" and listed in the Historic Engineering Record, the Covered Bridge survived numerous floods, including the great flood of 1901, which destroyed all the other bridges in the county that crossed the Doe River.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area and Park - top
This park was built around a re-creation of historic Fort Watauga at the head of the shoals on the Watauga River by the Watauga Historical Association to preserve one of the few remaining sites of the early frontier.

The Wataugans settled this land and proclaimed their independence in 1772, against the British Crown, Virginia and North Carolina. They built their fort to protect them against threats and attacks by the Indians.

Today, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is used as a backdrop for one of Tennessee's longest running outdoor dramas "Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals," in it's 30th year - 2008 which runs each July. www.sycamoreshoals.org

The Carter Mansion - top
Come take a glimpse of Carter County's rich history by visiting the old Carter Mansion which sits near the Watauga River. It is the oldest frame house remaining in Tennessee.

The Carter Mansion was once the home of Col. John Carter and his son Gen. Landon Carter. Built around 1780 by John Carter, a chairman of the Watauga Association, was one of the earliest Watauga Settlers.
Landon Carter, known as the "Father of the County" because the county was named for him, and the county seat Elizabethton, for his wife Elizabeth.

Open May 15 - Aug. 15 Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment. 1013 Broad St., (423) 543-6140 or (423) 543-5808

Walking Tour - top
The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce offers a walking tour guide of Elizabethton's downtown historic areas including historic homes, the Soldier's Monument, area churches, and other historical buildings.

The Appalachian Trail - top
The world's longest footpath stretching 2,100 miles. crosses through Carter County. Roughly 60 of those miles wind through the mountains in Carter County, ranging in elevation from 1,750 feet along the shore line of Watauga Lake to 6,285 feet on Roan Mountain.

Rhododendron Gardens - top
Atop majestic Roan Mountain, 6,285 feet above sea level, grows the largest natural display of Catawba rhododendron in the world. Beautiful any season of the year, the gardens come into full bloom in mid-June.