Holston Mountain

Holston Mountain and the adjacent Iron Mountain range provide a picturesque backdrop to TVA’s South Holston Lake. Backcountry recreational opportunities include the 9,600 acre Flint Mill Gap roadless area and 3,900 acre Stoney Creek Scenic Area. Blue Hole waterfall is easily accessed off TN 91. On Cross Mountain, the Osborne Tract grasslands offer a panoramic view of surrounding mountains, as well as access to the Appalachian Trail. A local cranberry bog, heirloom apple trees, and 19th century hand-hewn log cabin are also located here. This recreation Zone is accessed by US 19E, US 421, TN 91 and TN 133. Nearby towns in Tennessee include Elizabethton, Bristol, Bluff City and Shady Valley; and Damascus in Virginia.

Follow the Trail!

Horseback opportunities abound on Holston Mountain on a system of trails and forest roads. Trailheads off TN 91 and Flatwoods Road, Forest Road 87, provide access to the 36-mile equestrian trail complex that winds along both sides of the mountain. The trails area also open to hikers, and mountain bikes are allowed on all but the 2.2-mile Morrell Trail #47.

Get in the Water! 

Boat and jet ski on the 7,580-acre South Holston Lake. Public boat launches are located at TWRA-managed Highway 421 launch and, for campers only, at Little Oak Campground off Flatwoods Road. Several private launches are also located on the lake.

Go Fishing! 

Enjoy a day or night of fishing from the shore or from your boat on South Holston Lake. Below the dam, fly fishing is popular in the weir area, where picnic tables, toilet facilities, walking trails and canoe access areas are also available. Popular fish species include brown and rainbow trout, white bass, bluegill, small and largemouth bass, crappie and walleye. Hike one-mile to the pond at the Scott-Booher Place, where you can fish, view wildlife and enjoy an apple from heirloom trees.

Sleep under the Stars! 

Jacobs Creek Recreation Area, located two miles off US 421 on Denton Valley Road, offers 29 campsites, most of which can accommodate small campers and pop-ups. Amenities include tables, fire rings and lantern posts; water hydrants, flush toilets, showers and trailer dump station are located in the campground. Located nearby are grassy picnic sites and a designated swim area for day-use. Little Oak Campground, located off Flatwoods Road (Forest Road 87), is 8 miles from either the community of Hickory Tree or US 421. This campground offers 4 Loops with 72 campsites suitable for trailers and tents. Site amenities are similar to Jacobs Creek. While Little Oak offers a boat launch for campers’ use, there are no day use facilities or designated swim area.