August 2026
Special Events, Ranger Programs, & Guided Tours
Carter Mansion Guided Tours
August 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 16, 21, 27, 29, & 30 1:30 PM
Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under
Maximum of 12 participants per tour
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
As our nation celebrates 250 years, step inside a tangible link to America’s founding. Take a guided tour of Tennessee’s
oldest frame house and enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home built by Colonel John Carter between 1775 and
- Learn about the historically significant role played by the Carter family in the early settlement of East Tennessee
while you appreciate this gem of historic preservation. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase.
Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Maximum of 12 participants per tour
Meet at the Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Sabine Hill Guided Tours
August 6, 8, 9, 14, 20, 22, 23, & 28 1:30 PM
Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under
Maximum of 12 participants per tour
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Enjoy a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The
site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. Take in the colorful
and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the
early 19th century. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes
steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
English Country Dancing with the Sabine Hill Social Society
Sunday, August 9 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Dancing was a very popular social pastime in early America. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome to
learn early 19 th century dances. Open to anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Free admission! Meet in the
Visitor Center Gathering Room.
Useful Plants of Appalachia*
Saturday, August 15 10:00 AM
Cost: $5.00
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a walk through the park grounds and trails to see and learn about useful native
and naturalized plants and trees. From the so-called weeds in your yard to towering Tulip Poplars and deep forest species,
learn how Native Americans and frontier settlers made natural medicines and nutritious meals from the wild flora of our
landscape. This program is suitable for all ages and will last approximately 1 hour. Meet behind the visitor center at the
bottom of the ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Knot A Problem*
Sunday, August 16 3:30 PM
Cost: Free
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Join Ranger Taylor for a crash course in useful knots helpful for camping, hiking, and general utility in a thousand
different applications. Learn what makes a knot functional, the most versatile knots Ranger Taylor uses the most, and
much more. Knots taught will depend largely on the experience level of those attending. Open to ages 10 and up. Meet
behind the visitor center in the pines near the walking ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Pine Glue Making Workshop*
Saturday, August 22 7:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Step back into the 18th century at our hands-on pine pitch glue workshop with Ranger Taylor. Participants will learn the
traditional methods used by the Cherokee, who relied on pine pitch as a vital adhesive for everything from toolmaking to
repairing canoes. Guided by historic techniques and authentic materials, you’ll learn how this indispensable substance was
crafted and why it played such an important role in daily life. Join us for an immersive experience that blends history,
culture, and practical skills you can take home. Open to ages 12 and up. Meet in the Longhunter Camp, between Fort
Watauga and the Watauga River.
Old Time Music Jam
Sunday, August 23 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Enjoy a mix of old-time and traditional folk, Celtic and gospel music. Acoustic instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar,
bass, mandolin, dulcimer (both kinds), autoharp, feet (no taps) are welcome. All who are interested in playing, learning
about, or listening to old-time and traditional folk music are invited. Feel free to bring a recording device for learning
purposes.
Furs & Pelts of the Longhunter
Sunday, August 23, 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Ever wonder why currency is often referred to as “bucks”? How did Buffalo Mountain get its name? Join Ranger Jason to
discover first-hand the various types of furs and pelts sought after by long hunters on the frontier during the 18 th century.
All ages are welcome to attend this free program in the Visitor Center lobby.
Cemetery Symbolism*
Thursday, August 27 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the artwork and symbols on old gravestones? Join Museum Curator
Chad Bogart and spend an evening in the burial ground at the historic Carter Mansion. Learn how to translate the
language of cemetery symbolism and how these images tell the stories of the deceased. The program will begin at the Carter
Mansion Visitor Center and proceed to the cemetery. The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton,
TN 37643
Creek Critter Catchin’*
Saturday, August 29 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost: $5.00
Registration required – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings
Join Ranger Davis for a cool and refreshing walk through the waterways of the Watauga River and discover the different
creatures that call it home! Please bring footwear that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy; no flip-flops. You may bring
your own catchin’ tools if you’d like. No children younger than 5. Parents who wish to be present but not participate do
not need to register. Program will be cancelled in the event of severe inclement weather or abnormally high-water
levels. All critters will be released at the end of the program.
- Outdoor programs are subject to change or cancellation in the event of inclement weather conditions.
Visitor Center Hours
Open Daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – 1651 W. Elk Avenue – Elizabethton, TN 37643
423-543-5808
tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals
facebook.com/sycamoreshoals