🪨 Creek Spot
🟢 Easy $2 USFS day-use fee
🌊 About Backbone Rock (Beaver Dam Creek)
Small but scenic swimming hole on Beaver Dam Creek beside the Backbone Rock tunnel landmark on the TN/VA line.
📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
$2 USFS day-use fee
Water Temperature
💧 Cold, clear
Water Type
Creek swimming hole near rock tunnel landmark
Managed By
US Forest Service (Cherokee National Forest)
County
Johnson (TN) / Washington (VA) County, Tennessee
🗺️ Getting There
Address / Access Point:
US-421 at Backbone Rock, near Shady Valley, TN
Access Notes:
Easy, adjacent to campground and famous rock tunnel
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
-
✓
Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
-
✓
Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
-
$
Bring cash or card for entry: $2 USFS day-use fee
-
✓
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
-
✓
Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
-
✓
Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace