Backbone Rock Recreation Area is in Cherokee National Forest in the northeast corner of Tennessee. Visiting the tunnel, climbing the rock, and hiking to Backbone Falls is free. Activities include a small campground nearby and fishing in Beaverdam Creek.
The tunnel was originally created to allow railroad access between Shady Valley, Tennessee and Damascus, Virginia to transport timber. They drilled through the ridge in 1901. Now highway TN-133 runs through it.
Backbone Rock
A small gravel pull-off for parking is available on one-side of the tunnel (heading northbound); however, if you park here, your vehicle will likely be in any photos. A medium paved day use lot is just across the highway. There is a single pit toilet at the end of the lot.
Backbone Rock is a spur ridge on Holston Mountain. The ridge is very narrow here, only about 20 feet deep, making the opening “the world’s shortest tunnel.”
When they originally formed the tunnel, engineers did not account for a train’s smokestack, so they had to go back and chisel out space for it. You can see the misshapen arch from several angles.
You can hike to the top on a trail that starts at the edge of the parking lot. It is a winding staircase to the top. The main trail continues straight to meet the Appalachian Trail. Turn right to walk across the ‘spine’ of Backbone Rock. There are handrails and wooden bridges but watch your step as it is uneven terrain. Visitors can rest and enjoy a meal at a picnic area here. Another staircase runs back down to the road on the other side of the tunnel.
Below the highway, Beaverdam Creek bends around the ridge. This makes for a perfect spot to fish and swim.
Backbone Falls
While you are here, you should also check out Backbone Falls. This small 45-foot waterfall is a short hike from the tunnel. It starts across the highway from the day use parking lot. There is smaller gravel pull-off in front of this trailhead for additional parking.
The Backbone Falls trailhead begins with a short 18-step stone staircase. At the top, the trail splits in two. I chose to go right (counterclockwise). Signs warn hikers to watch their step due to roots, drop-offs, and uneven footing. Painted blue blazes mark the path.
Overall, there were five main stone staircases, with a couple three-step connector steps.
In July the landscape was covered in a blanket of green – moss, ivy, and clover everywhere! A few rhododendrons were still in bloom.
At the top of the ridgeline, there is a flat stone edge. Here the creek flows over the edge into the gorge below.
The last staircase is the longest with wobbly and broken steps in places. Take care and make your way slowly.
From the trail you can see almost the entire waterfall. The thin stream plunges from the ridgeline above. A massive rock wall frames the falls.
Visitors can also carefully make their way closer to the base for a different view.
Backbone Rock is a perfect place to spend an entire day or use as a quick stop on a road trip. This is an extremely popular area for hikers and cyclists as the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail are both nearby.
So many beautiful plein air painting sights at this location! You never disappoint. Tennessee is just a hop, skip and jump for us. It is going on our 2023 spring plein air events. As always, beautiful pictures and descriptions along with the interesting facts about the shortest tunnel!
Another beautiful area to visit. Many in close proximity. The Southern trails and waterfalls could be a beautiful week or so vacation trip. Thank you.