It is that time of year in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee to welcome in summer! It’s a time for warmer weather, lazy lake days, hiking/biking, picnicking and backyard BBQs. In Bristol TN/VA there are numerous parks that you can enjoy a morning run/walk, evening stroll or a family day outdoors!
Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN:
With over 2,200 acres, it is the third largest municipal park in Tennessee. The park is a true gem in Bristol offering fun for all ages from disc golf, a splash pad and golf course. The newly expanded Nature Center is a must-see while at the park as it provides information about animals and vegetation that you may see while out exploring. Whether you choose to take an easy stroll on the Lakeside Trail (don’t turn around too soon and miss out on the small waterfall of the dam) or if you’re feeling adventurous hike one of the many other trails the park provides. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent a paddle boat at the park to get a different view of the park from the middle of the lake! The kids (and those that are kids at heart) love taking a ride on Steele Creek Express, which is a 24 gauge replica of a real steam engine.
You can tell it’s summertime at Steele Creek as you pass by the birthday parties/family gatherings at the rented shelters or lodge that overlooks the lake and the number of folks gathered on the pier or around the banks of the lake in the afternoon trying their luck at catching a few fish. Plan a trip (or a few) to Steele Creek Park this summer to make cherished memories.
Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, VA:
This park has plenty to offer from the picnic areas and shelters to several baseball/softball and soccer fields. Plan a day visit to bike or hike the trails or stay for the weekend at the campground! The park is a great place to get outdoors in Bristol with family and friends. If you’re looking for a place to wildlife watch, take the trail through the marsh. You will be pleased to take your morning run or an evening walk with the dog on the trails at Sugar Hollow.
Summertime at Sugar Hollow Park is the laughter of children on the playground, cheering from the ball fields and the smell of charcoal grills from the campsites. Plan to spend time at Sugar Hollow this summer and build memories for a lifetime.
Cumberland Square Park in Bristol, VA:
This park in Downtown Bristol is a great picnic location, whether for a work day lunch with friends or weekend family outing. The highlight of this park is the Veteran’s Memorial dedicated to the honor and memory of those men and women of the USA who have fought and continue to serve. Cumberland Square is the location for many Downtown events such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Service and 4th of July Celebration.
Pinnacle Park in Bristol, TN:
When you finish shopping at the new Pinnacle retail development, take a few minutes to relax at Pinnacle Lake. Pinnacle Park is a convenient stop for travelers as it’s just off I-81. The short trail around the lake is perfect for stretching legs during road trips or, if you live nearby, is great place for an evening walk. During the summer you will find folks headed to Pinnacle Park with fishing poles and tackle boxes in hands to enjoy some recreational fishing.
Other Green Spaces in Bristol, TN:
Anderson Park: Features open space, playground, music pavilion and a gazebo. It is a great lunch spot during the summer.
Clay Park: Located directly behind Edgemont Towers housing unit. It is green space with a gazebo and shade trees.
DeFriece Park: Small park featuring play area, picnic tables and a historical marker.
Fairmount Park: 2.57 acre green space with mature trees and a few benches.
Haynesfield Park: Community park with playground, picnic tables and 2 tennis courts
Jersey Park: Undeveloped community green space.
Patterson Park: Mini-park with play area that is located near Anderson Elementary School. It also has 2 tennis courts.
Rooster Front Park: The park is part of Steele Creek Park but is located at the opposite end of Steele Creek’s main entrance
Wes Davis Greenway: A trail that is built on a former rail bed.
Windsor Park: Small area with playground.
Whitetop Creek Park: Features baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, walking trail and pond.
Click for more info on Bristol, TN parks.
Other Green Spaces in Bristol, VA:
Belle Meadows: Park features playground and youth little league field.
Breedlove-Charles Park: Features playground, 2 tennis counts and basketball courts.
Fred Hayes Park: Mini-park with a great view of the Bristol Train Station.
Moore Street Park: Small park with playground.
Mumpower Park: Offers tennis courts, basketball courts and a play area.
Pearl Street Park: Small spot with a play area.
Portsmouth St. Park: Mini-park that features a playground.
Suncrest Park: Features tennis courts and play areas.
Westfield Park: Small park with basketball court and play area.
Click for more info on Bristol, VA parks.
Dog Parks in Bristol:
Bark Park at the Charlie Robinette Park: Located on Vance Drive is the city’s first dog park.
Interested in moving to Bristol TN/VA? Call our local Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee experts to help find your home in Bristol!