Ministry Headquarters
We call our ministry headquarters Feather Ridge. The Back2Basics Adventures' property expands over 50 incredible, private acres located in beautiful Jonesborough, Tennessee, nicknamed the Storytelling Capital. Jonesborough is the first established and oldest town in Tennessee.
Our property borders the Cherokee National Forest with access to the famous Nolichucky River which is known for its whitewater rafting and fishing. We are situated directly next to Clark’s Creek one of Tennessee's premier stocked trout fishing streams. Sill Branch and Buckeye Falls (the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi) are located in the bordering Clarks Creek forest area.
Our property offers a lovely newly constructed 40'x40' Event Pavilion with a natural rock fireplace perfect for worship, wedding, faith, family, and corporate gatherings which also boasts an attached guest facility that can accommodate 10-12 guests and offers 4 bedrooms, two and a half baths, three showers a kitchenette and loft.
The Back2Basics Adventures' property also offers dry elevated Treehouse Cabins with up to 6 beds in each all with direct access to thousands of acres of incredible hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that lead to waterfalls swimming pools, and amazing vistas.
Our Back Country Camping area offers a flowing creek, a second rustic large Covered Pavilion with a natural stone fireplace large grilling area, 2 bathrooms a kitchen area with a large double sink and refrigerator to offer comforts to a primitive camping experience if desired. A concrete pad for vehicle or RV parking is on-site with over an acre of open meadow for private camping experiences all surrounded by thousands of acres of Cherokee national forest.
Featured Adventure Options in Tennessee:
Advanced Whitewater Rafting
Class III & IV rapids on the Nolichucky River, the deepest gorge East of the Mississippi, offer the best scenery and whitewater in the region for ages 10+. Prices start at $100 per person.
Relaxed Leisure River Raft, Paddle, or Tube and Swim
Class I & II rapids on the Lower Nolichucky River for all ages. Prices start at $65 per person.
Horseback Riding
$60 for a half-day.
$100 for a full-day.
Electric Mountain Biking
$50 an hour two-hour min.
Visit Tennessee’s Appalachian Trail
Beauty spot with hiking and natural swimming pools. Prices start at $20 per person.
Axe Throwing
$20 per person.
3-D Archery Course
$30 per person.
Guided Fishing
Smallmouth bass and walleye trout. Prices start at $250 per person.
Wing Shooting
Prices start at $250 per person.
Sporting Clay Shooting
Prices start at $60 per person.
Hunting
- Bear $2,250 for 3 days (stand hunting) including accommodations in our Tree Cabin or Guest Lodge and meals.
- Deer $1,500 for 3 days accommodations in our Tree Cabin or Guest Lodge and meals. Must be 8 pt or better buck or $750 fine.
- Turkey $1,100 for 3 days with accommodations in our Tree Cabin or Guest Lodge and meals.
All-terrain Vehicle Guided Tour of Bumpus Cove Trails
$500 per vehicle can accommodate 5 guests, including lunch.
Self-guided ATV tours
$500 for a 2-seater.
$600 for a 5-seater.
Zip Lining $75
Climbing $55
Swinging $25
Cave Exploration
Explore a beautiful natural cave while learning the forgotten history and geology of an underdeveloped limestone cave. This adventure is wild caving so be prepared to get wet and dirty. Ideal for ages 7+. Prices start at $75 per person.
Rock Climbing at Rocky Fork State Park
Minimum weight of 74 pounds is required. Enjoy a natural hike past the beautiful Rocky Fork Creek and its waterfalls then climb on a natural beginner-friendly rock face where your guide will teach you the basics of rock climbing in a calm environment all equipment is provided. The price starts at $90 per person.
East Tennessee is one of the best places to hike. The Appalachian Mountains, national forest, and state park here provide stunning backdrops for the local hiking trails and greenways in the area, many of which offer stunning views. Hikes can range from short trails that are perfect for the whole family, to incredible day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. These are some of the best hikes close to Back2basics Adventures at Feather Ridge.
Featured Hiking Trails in Tennessee:
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, known simply as the Appalachian Trail or the A.T., is a 2,200-mile trail from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The A.T. runs through Unicoi County and is a perfect way to enjoy anything from a short day-hike to a breathtaking backpacking trip or epic thru-hike. The portion of the A.T. that winds through this area is incredibly scenic and considered one of the best sections of A.T. by many past thru-hikers.
One of the best A.T. hikes throughout this region is the 2.3-mile trek to Unaka Mountain’s Beauty Spot, which is known for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is extremely accessible and the hike is worthwhile. This hike would be considered intermediate to advanced. Bring a source of water and enjoy rhododendron tunnels on the way up; or shuttle to Beauty Spot and enjoy a downhill jaunt that is still breathtaking and heart-pounding.
Length: Varies
Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower Trail
For another hike with a view, Pinnacle Mountain Trail takes you up to a rehabilitated fire tower that offers a beautiful unobstructed 360 degree look at the surrounding mountains. This hike heads up Buffalo Mountain and has about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The gradual slope of the trail, however, often makes this an attainable hike for those who enjoy logging longer miles but who would typically struggle with a steep grade. This is a beginners hike but plenty of water is still needed. The trail is multi-use and frequented by mountain bikers too. Headphones are not recommended; unplug and enjoy Mother Nature’s soundtrack.
Length: 9.9 miles
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
This newer state park offers miles of trails, higher mountain elevations, pristine streams, hardwood forests, and rock outcrops – the natural beauty is undeniable! These 2,076 acres are surrounded on three sides by the Cherokee National Forest. If you’re also interested in trying out rock climbing, you can enjoy guided climbing trips on pristine quartzite sandstone rock right here in the park. Most of these trails will be intermediate to advanced. Make sure to properly prepare and have a contingency plan in the event of an emergency. This park is in a remote part of Northeast Tennessee and cellular service is not reliable.
Length: Varies
Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest is an amazing place to enjoy outdoor recreation and hiking. Offering a wide variety of trail difficulties from easy to advanced, as well as more than 600 miles of trails, you can easily pick a beautiful hike that is well suited for you. Choose a trail to your liking but know the more beginner trails will have higher foot traffic. The more advanced trails will not have cellular service in the remote areas of the park. Plan accordingly to your experience, comfort, and physical levels.
Length: Varies
Rock Creek Recreation Area
Located three miles east of Erwin, Tennessee, Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the creek that runs along this developed recreation site. Here you’ll find picnic facilities, a stream-fed swimming pool and a bathhouse, and camping facilities. Insulated from the summer heat and sun by cool air flowing down from Unaka Mountain and shaded by a deep forest of oaks, maples, hemlocks, and rhododendron, this is an excellent place for tent and RV camping. The short but rugged hiking trail will take you into Unaka Mountain Wilderness, and you’ll also find an easy bike trail and short, easy nature trails in this area.
Length: Varies
Erwin Linear Trail
For an urban trail in the area, the Erwin Linear Trail is an excellent choice. This paved, 4 mile flat path parallels the Nolichucky River. Along your way, you’ll pass fishing docks and boardwalks while enjoying a natural oasis of marshes, wetlands, and woods. This is a multi-use trail with access to the town of Erwin.
Length: 4 miles
Martin’s Creek Falls
Another local trail that families with small children might enjoy is Martin’s Creek Falls. A short, moderate trail, this hike can be busy on Summer weekends and there is only parking for about five vehicles at the trailhead, so it can be helpful to get an early start. The waterfall is lovely, although not huge. You’ll find the trailhead for this hike east of Unicoi High School up Martin’s Creek Rd.
Length: 2 miles
Other Trails in Unicoi County, Tennessee:
- Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Beauty Spot
- Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa
- Appalachian Trail: Nolichucky River to Iron Mountain Gap
- Cherokee Little Mountain Trail
- Limestone Cove Trail
- Little Dark Hollow
- Powder Branch Spur
- Rattlesnake Ridge Trail
- Red Fork Falls Trail
Northeast Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places to take a scenic drive along some of the most stunning roads and highways in America. These are some of the best scenic drives in Northeast Tennessee.
Featured Scenic Routes in Tennessee:
US 321/TN 67
For some stunning lake scenery, the US 321/TN 67 scenic drive follows the shoreline of Watauga Lake, also offering access to several national forest recreation areas. Drivers on this route will enjoy scenic views of both lake and forest lands of Iron Mountain. Once you’re east of the lake, you’ll be offered a choice of routes, offering options to pass through beautiful farmlands and rural areas on your way to either Boone, NC or Mountain City, TN.
“The Snake” – US 421
US 421 in Northeast Tennessee, also known as “The Snake,” is said to be one of the most outstanding drives in the Southeast, boasting 489 curves. Although not for those prone to car sickness, the paved 33-mile road winds drivers along a scenic route nestled between steep mountains and a valley, offering incredible mountain scenery. You can find this drive running between Bristol and Mountain City. If you drive The Snake, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. This drive is also located on a winery route, so if you’re so inclined, stop by Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards to enjoy award-winning wines.
Unaka Mountain Scenic Drive
The famed 12-mile Unaka Mountain scenic drive begins in Erwin, TN and makes a loop connecting TN 395, the graveled Forest Road 230, and TN 107, a state scenic parkway. The route winds through Unicoi County’s valley up to high-elevation spruce forests and balds up near the 5,180-foot summit of the Appalachian Trail’s Unaka Mountain, which is also an excellent spot for hiking. You can pair this drive with stops at both the Rock Creek Recreation Area and Limestone Cove Picnic Area.
Because of the gravel portion of this drive, high-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended although anectodally a number of 2WD drivers say they’ve made the drive successfully after recent road improvements. Also, expect Forest Road 230 to be closed between mid-December to mid-March. All things considered, this is an excellent and beautiful scenic drive in Northeast Tennessee, especially for those if you have a vehicle suited for the entire loop.
Paint Fork Gravel Loop
Northeast Tennessee is also convenient to Western North Carolina, making the Paint Fork Gravel Loop/NC 197 scenic drive an easily accessible option! This beautiful ride north of Asheville offers a blend of quiet country road and unpaved state highway. The loop is a local favorite and an excellent drive at any time of year. You can even enjoy roadside waterfalls and some views! This drive is accessible from several North Carolina towns: Burnsville, Weaverville, Mars Hill, or multiple points in between.
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a hilly, scenic road winding along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The drive on US 129 passes along the southwest border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Little Tennessee River. Prepare for 318 curves in just 11 miles! In fact, this route has been called America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. Some even say this will be the ride of your life!
TN 395/NC 197
This is a beautiful drive heads from Erwin, Tennessee to Poplar, North Carolina. It covers TN 395 and NC 197, and even crosses the Appalachian Trail at the crest of the drive at Indian Grave Gap.
Cherokee National Forest
In the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest is a 650,000-acre outdoor mecca. The forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Talk about epic! While the area’s 700 miles of trails make it a hiker’s paradise, this national forest is also perfect for a scenic drive.
19W
The 19E drive is a beautiful drive through the mountains. At the top of the drive, the road crosses the Appalachian Trail, and through North Carolina is curves along the gorgeous Cane River. You’ll begin the drive in Ernestville, Tennessee up at the junction with I-26, and follow the road south until it joins with 19E. This is definitely a don’t miss drive in the area if you’re looking for a scenic afternoon.