It was a little scary in the areas where there were drop offs, but for the most part it was good. It was fun hiking up the rock to the top of the tunnel. It had been years since we had been to Backbone Rock and it was definately worth the return trip. Overall, we had a great time at Backbone Rock. After spending a few moments watching the cars drive through the tunnel from this side, we decided to turn around and make our way back down to the parking lot. However, we did not even think of attempting to venture anywhere near the edge or past the wider areas of the trail. Once you neared the top, it did appear that you could walk out onto the top/center of Backbone Rock Tunnel. There were also some areas of this side of the trail that had metal chainlink fences & rails along it. This too was a little scary, but there were sturdy wooden handrails across the bridges.so it felt safe. Once we neared the top of the trail, we did come to some wooden footbridges that take you out over some narrow places in the rock. Also, part way up the trail we saw a red mushroom growing on the steps and also a blue-tailed salamander rustling through some leaves. Part way up this side of the trail was an area where one or two people could have a seat on a large rock if you needed to rest or catch your breath. This side of the trail zig zags back and forth several times before you reach the top of the trail. I also do not recall any metal handrails on this side of the trail. So, you will watch to watch your footing. The steps are pretty close together on this side as well, but they too were wet and covered in leaves/moss/wet dirt. This side also has a bunch of uneven steps carved in the rock. At the start of the trail, you will see a caution sign that warns you that the trail is steep, has uneven footings and steep dropoffs. Here we decided to hike up the other side of Backbone Rock. At the base of the trail, we came across a gentleman on his way to try his hand at fishing in the creek.Īfter hiking the one side of Backbone Rock, we made our way back across the street to the area next to the parking lot. After a few minutes of watching cars pass through Backbone Rock, we turned around and made our way back down the steps towards the picnic pavillion and creek. It did look like you could walk out onto the top/center of Backbone Rock Tunnel if you had the nerve, but I did not venture out past the large open area at the top of the trail steps. It was a little scary, being that there is no guard-rail, but I just kept my distance from the edge. You could walk right over near the edge and look down on the cars that were driving up the road and passing through Backbone Rock Tunnel on State Rd 133. Once at the top we came to an opening covered in fallen pine needles. The steps were close together for the most part, but you definately want to watch your footing as the uneven rocks can get slippery (especially if wet or covered in fallen leaves, moss & wet dirt).
There was a open metal handrail that zig zagged along the trail to the top. This trail started out on a dirt path and turned into a bunch of steps carved into rock. After streching our legs & resting beside the creek for a few minutes, we turned around and walked over towards one of the hiking trails that leads up to the top of Backbone Rock. The creek was really beautiful with the water flowing over the river rocks. Here we came upon Beaverdam Creek and a small log cabin style picnic pavillion. We then walked through the tunnel and across the street. Here we got out and took at look at the short tunnel that was blasted in the rock by the Beaver Dam Railway Company around the year of 1900. Once at Bacbone Rock, we parked our car in the small parking lot that is located on the right hand side of the road once you pass through Backbone Rock Tunnel. We had been to Backbone Rock once over 10 years ago & thought it would be a nice place to revisit.and be a nice place to stretch our legs. We were driving Interstate 81 and had searched for activities along our route of travel. My husband and I decided to stop at Backbone Rock & Backbone Rock Waterfall on our way back from our trip to Gatlinburg, TN. Backbone Rock is located in the Cherokee National Forest near Damascus, VA and Shady Valley, TN.
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