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Day Trips from Kingsport

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Day Trips from Kingsport: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Kingsport, TN. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Kingsport

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, USA

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

USA

Just 2 hrs 53 min from Kingsport, rated 4.9 stars by 5,921 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 53 min4.9 (5,921)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pisgah National Forest, Rocky Bluff recreation area, Hot Springs, NC 28743

Pisgah National Forest, Rocky Bluff recreation area

Hot Springs, NC 28743

Just 1 hr 37 min from Kingsport, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 37 min4.9 (8)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612

South Mountains State Park

Connelly Springs, NC 28612

Just 2 hrs 29 min from Kingsport, rated 4.9 stars by 2,909 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 29 min4.9 (2,909)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Kingsport, TN

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Just 1 hr 57 min from Kingsport, rated 4.9 stars by 50,117 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 57 min4.9 (50,117)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Dupont State Recreational Forest, Hendersonville, NC 28739

Dupont State Recreational Forest

Hendersonville, NC 28739

Just 2 hrs 8 min from Kingsport, rated 4.9 stars by 103 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 8 min4.9 (103)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Honaker, VA 24260

Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve

Honaker, VA 24260

Just 1 hr 13 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 157 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 13 min4.8 (157)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC 29671

Table Rock State Park

Pickens, SC 29671

Just 2 hrs 22 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 2,181 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 22 min4.8 (2,181)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, Eolia, KY 40826

Bad Branch State Nature Preserve

Eolia, KY 40826

Just 1 hr 33 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 118 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 33 min4.8 (118)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Bluestone National Scenic River, WV 25971, USA

Bluestone National Scenic River

WV 25971, USA

Just 2 hrs 52 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 153 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 52 min4.8 (153)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield, VA 24244

Natural Tunnel State Park

Duffield, VA 24244

Just 31 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 1,824 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

31 min4.8 (1,824)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Cherokee National Forest, TN 37312, USA

Cherokee National Forest

TN 37312, USA

Just 1 hr 21 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 7,822 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 21 min4.8 (7,822)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

The Channels, VA 24280, USA

The Channels

VA 24280, USA

Just 1 hr 35 min from Kingsport, rated 4.8 stars by 340 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 35 min4.8 (340)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Kingsport

What are the best state parks near Kingsport, TN?

The best state parks near Kingsport offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Kingsport?

Most state parks near Kingsport charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Kingsport are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Kingsport offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Kingsport?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Kingsport. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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