The Laurels Picnic Area

Part of the Cherokee National Forest, The Laurels has been a popular area since the early days in East Tennessee.

The site is named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called “laurel.” The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current facilities in the early 1930s. Today, it is a popular dayuse area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.

There are pavilions and picnic areas available for use. The area is for day use only and no overnight camping is allowed.

The Laurels Picnic Area is located off of Laurels Road in the western portion of Carter County.

Lions Field

Lions Field is located near Elk Avenue on the western part of Elizabethton. With 12 acres of land, the park is a host of the Elizabethton/Carter County Youth Baseball and Softball Association. The facility also serves as an entrance or exit for the Tweetsie Trail and includes parking and restrooms.

Mill Race Park

Mill Race Park is located along the Doe River with Riverside Drive to the east and the Broad Street Bridge to the north. Just over .5 acres, this mini-park is another stop along the Elizabethton Linear Path.

Race Street Park

Race Street Park is located near the intersection of Race Street and Pine Street. This 1.3 acre park is along the Elizabethton Linear Path.

Dixon Street Park

Dixon Street Park is a 1.4 acre park bordered by Dixon Street and the Tweetsie Trail. There are no facilities located at this open grass park.

Riverside Park

Nestled beside the Watauga River, Riverside Park is 6.8 acres and features playground equipment, a pavilion and picnic tables. The Riverside Pavilion is located right behind Joe O’Brien Field and features a large covered shed that houses picnic tables, grills and electrical hooks. The park features plenty of green space for the public to enjoy on nice days. The pavilion is available for rent by contacting the Parks & Rec department.

Covered Bridge Park

Nestled beside the historic Covered Bridge, the city’s Covered Bridge Park is a 2.25 acre park that features a small fountain, two pavilions, a gazebo, picnic tables and multi-use stage. The picturesque park is located in downtown Elizabethton and provides a lunch-break getaway for citizens during hot summer days while attracting the public with different events and concert series.

The pavilion and gazebo are for rent by contacting the Parks & Rec department.

Walter Curtis Memorial Park

Walter Curtis Memorial Park is located beside the Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center and the Carter County/Elizabethton Health Department along H Street and Holston Avenue. The 1.6 acre park includes two shuffleboard courts, walking paths, a pavilion and various benches.

Douglas Park

Located at the intersection of Watauga Street and Church Street, historic Douglas Park offers 3.7 acres worth of fun. The neighborhood park has playground equipment, a basketball court, a large pavilion and a multiuse field. The Blue Grays Field, used for youth baseball, received historical designation from the state in 2016 for its historic impact with Negro League Baseball.