10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Johnson City, Tennessee
If you’re based in
Johnson City, Tennessee, and you’re itching for a quick getaway, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find waterfalls, mountain views, small-town charm, historic sites, and plenty of good food.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring beyond Washington County into nearby parts of East Tennessee like Carter, Greene, Hawkins, Sullivan, and Unicoi counties.
Whether you’ve got a full day or just an afternoon, these 10 short road trips from Johnson City are easy to reach and packed with things to do.
1. Carter County: Explore Watauga Lake & Scenic Overlooks
If you’re craving water views and mountain air, head east into
Carter County and make your way to
Watauga Lake. It’s about a 35–45 minute drive from Johnson City, depending on where you stop.
You’ll find:
- Marinas and boat rentals – Perfect if you want to try kayaking, boating, or just relax by the docks.
- Public swimming areas – Great on hot summer days; the water feels cool and clean.
- Scenic overlooks – On the drive there, you’ll wind past views that look like postcards.
On one visit, I pulled off at a random overlook just to “stretch my legs” and ended up staying almost an hour just watching the light change over the water. It’s that kind of place.
Road trip tip: Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks. There are places to pick up food, but having something on hand makes it feel like a true lake day.
2. Carter County: Roan Mountain State Park & The Famous Rhododendron Gardens
Another must-see spot in Carter County is
Roan Mountain State Park, about 45–55 minutes from Johnson City. If you love cooler temperatures, tall trees, and mountain views, this is a dream.
In and around Roan Mountain, you can:
Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, you can still enjoy short walks and scenic drives. Think of it as a mountain escape without needing camping gear or special skills.
Road trip tip: Weather can change quickly at higher elevations. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
3. Unicoi County: Hiking & Waterfalls at Rock Creek Recreation Area
Head south into
Unicoi County (about 25–35 minutes from Johnson City) and check out
Rock Creek Recreation Area near
Erwin.
Here you’ll find:
- Shaded picnic spots under tall trees.
- Creek-side trails that are great for families.
- Access to longer hikes with small waterfalls and cascades.
On my last trip, I saw families splashing in the shallow parts of the creek, couples walking dogs, and solo hikers heading deeper into the woods. It’s peaceful without feeling isolated.
Road trip tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The temptation to step into the creek is pretty strong!
4. Unicoi County: Scenic Drive & Small-Town Charm in Erwin
While you’re in Unicoi County, spend a little time in
Erwin, about 20–25 minutes from Johnson City. It’s a small town tucked between mountains, and the drive into town is half the fun.
Things to enjoy:
- Local diners and cafés – Great for a casual lunch or a slice of pie.
- Mountain views from around town – Even the parking lots have good views.
- Easy access to nearby Appalachian Trail sections and scenic pull-offs.
It’s the kind of place where you actually slow down, roll down the windows, and just enjoy the drive.
Road trip tip: If you love photography, the roadside views near Erwin are perfect for quick pull-over shots.
5. Greene County: Step Back in Time in Historic Greeneville
Head west into
Greene County, about 45–50 minutes from Johnson City, and you’ll reach
Greeneville, a town with deep history and small-town charm.
In Greeneville, you can:
If you’re a history buff, this is a great day trip. Even if you’re not, the town has a relaxed, welcoming feel that makes it easy to enjoy.
Road trip tip: Combine history with food. Plan to grab lunch at a local restaurant after walking the historic district.
6. Greene County: Nolichucky River Views & Country Backroads
Beyond Greeneville itself, Greene County offers classic East Tennessee countryside just 35–50 minutes from Johnson City, depending on your route.
You can:
- Drive the backroads around the Nolichucky River for peaceful river views.
- Look for river access points where you can sit, skip rocks, or watch kayakers go by.
- Enjoy rolling farmland with mountain backdrops.
This is more of a “slow drive” experience, perfect for a Sunday afternoon when you don’t want a big agenda—just pretty scenery and fresh air.
Road trip tip: Use a paper map or save directions offline. Some stretches have spotty cell service.
7. Sullivan County: Big Views & Fun at Bays Mountain Park (Kingsport Area)
Head north from Johnson City to
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium in
Sullivan County, near Kingsport. It’s usually about a 35–45 minute drive.
At Bays Mountain, you can:
- Walk around a mountain lake on easy trails.
- Visit the nature center and see animals like wolves and birds of prey.
- Check out the planetarium shows or try the ropes course and zip line (seasonal).
It’s one of those road trips from Johnson City where you can bring kids, parents, or friends, and there’s something for everyone.
Road trip tip: Plan a few hours here. There’s more to do than you might expect, and it’s easy to spend half a day exploring.
8. Sullivan County: Bristol – Two States, One Fun Day
About 35–45 minutes from Johnson City, you’ll find
Bristol in Sullivan County, right on the Tennessee–Virginia state line.
Highlights include:
Walking down State Street and standing with one foot in Tennessee and one in Virginia is a fun “tourist moment” that everyone secretly loves.
Road trip tip: Check local event calendars. Bristol often has festivals, car shows, and live music nights that make the trip even better.
9. Hawkins County: The Historic Charm of Rogersville
A little farther out, but still a reasonable drive, is
Rogersville in
Hawkins County, about 1 to 1.25 hours from Johnson City.
Rogersville feels like stepping into a history book, with:
- A historic downtown lined with old buildings and small shops.
- Cafés and bakeries that make for a cozy lunch stop.
- Nearby scenic drives through countryside dotted with barns and old churches.
If you enjoy old architecture and slower-paced towns, this is a rewarding day trip. It’s less crowded than some other spots, which makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Road trip tip: Head out in the morning so you have plenty of time to wander downtown and still drive home before dark.
10. Hawkins County: Cherokee Lake Views & Lakeside Relaxing
For another Hawkins County escape, aim for the areas near
Cherokee Lake, around 1 to 1.25 hours from Johnson City, depending on where you access the lake.
You’ll be able to:
Cherokee Lake has a calm, laid-back feel. It’s ideal if you just want to sit by the water, read a book, or watch the sunset before heading back to Johnson City.
Road trip tip: Bring camping chairs or a blanket so you can really relax by the shore.
Planning Your Road Trips from Johnson City
All of these
out-of-county road trips near Johnson City, TN can be done in a single day, and many are close enough for a half-day adventure. Before you go, it helps to:
- Check the weather – Mountain and lake trips change a lot with rain or fog.
- Fuel up before leaving – Some routes have long stretches without gas stations.
- Pack basics – Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe a backup phone charger.
Think of Johnson City as your home base. From there, you can reach lakes, mountains, small towns, and historic sites in almost every direction.
Share Your Favorite Short Trips from Johnson City
Have you tried any of these
day trips from Johnson City? Do you have a favorite waterfall, café, overlook, or small town in Carter, Greene, Hawkins, Sullivan, or Unicoi County that deserves a shout-out?
Share your ideas in the comments — your tips might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy road trips near Johnson City, Tennessee. The more we explore our backyard, the more we realize how much there is to see just an hour down the road.
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