if you're new here, considering moving, or have lived in Johnson City your whole life, check out this series: Live in Johnson City, a guide to Johnson City.
Infamous to Johnson City and one of our favorites spots, The Tweetsie Trail is a rails-to-trails project connecting Johnson City and Elizabethton. The Tweetsie travel is a gravel trail perfect for running, walking, or bike riding. Sitting on a relatively flat grade, the trail is placed in a beautiful, natural setting. In total, the trail covers over 12-miles, making it the longest rails-to-trails project in Tennessee! Its length also makes it the perfect spot to train for half and full marathons.
The Johnson City railroad and its trains affectionately became known as the “Tweetsie" due to the sound of the locomotive whistle. Much of Johnson City is adorned with artifacts from its history of being a railroad town. Many of the outdoor parks and trails have themes to help capture this rich history.
The Tweetsie Trail is unique from other outdoor activities in the area as it is being built without federal or state funding. It is fully funded by generous donations from individuals, businesses, and local governments. To be a part of this, click here and find out how you can “get on board.
Tweetsie Trail Rules:
Trail Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Keep it clean
Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or tobacco products
Bicyclists and Runners: signal to walkers when you are passing.
Keep all pets under control and on a leash. Clean up after your pets.
Horses are not allowed on Trail
No camping, fires, or hunting
As you venture further into the trail, you'll find hidden gems like the Quarry Overlook. The Tweetsie runs through downtown Elizabethton giving a mix of city views and lush wooded greenery. Throughout the trail are many mountain overlooks and rolling farmland.
The scenery is unlike any other, and you don't have to travel far to see it. With convenient access points spread throughout, the Tweetsie offers proximity to both Johnson City and Elizabethton. It is the perfect spot for a fun family outing or to walk and talk with friends!
The Tweetsie features mile markers, benches, and pavilions located throughout the trail. It also crosses through some less-trafficked roads, so be sure to note stop signs and be aware when crossing these points.
The Tweetsie has one main parking lot located at the trail entrance on the Johnson City side. There are two overflow parking lots located on the streets adjacent to the main entrance. They are marked with green city signs titled "Tweetsie Overflow Parking." Other parking is available at access points along the Tweetsie Trail.
Whether you're looking for a full day of fun, training for a marathon, or just looking to soak up some sun, the Tweetsie has something for everyone. It is one of the many incredible amenities that make Johnson City unique and such a charming place to live.
