Water Adventures at Warriors Path State Park (Kingsport TN)

I recently spent a really fun afternoon at Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport, Tennessee splashing through creeks and kayaking on peaceful waters. If you’re traveling through Eastern Tennessee, this state park has so much to offer on the water and beyond. Here’s a look at my experience and some highlights to check out when you visit.

More things to do in Kingsport, TN: Exploring Bays Mountain Park: Hikes, Howls, and History (5 miles from Warriors’ Path)

Creekside Exploration: A Ranger-Led Adventure

First up on my adventure was a creek walk. It’s one of the interpretive programs Warriors’ Path State Park offers periodically, so if you’re into nature and don’t mind getting your feet wet, this is a must-do.

Pro tip: Either wear old sneakers that can get wet or water shoes made for outdoor adventures. (I have this pair of Keens and these Chacos.) Don’t wear Crocs or go barefoot!

Introducing Ranger Marty

On Childress Ferry Road, near the back of Warriors’ Path State Park, we met Ranger Marty Silver. His vibrant personality and passion for the outdoors were genuinely infectious. Translation: he’s a character!

(Heads up: parking and turning around here can be tricky due to limited space.)

Sweet Scents and Fun Facts

We paused to rub and sniff the leaves of a spicebush plant, which has a distinctive sweet and spicy aroma. Ranger Marty compared the scent to Froot Loops. Spicebush and sassafras are host plants for Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. Additionally, Native Americans in this region favored spicebush berries.

Into the Creek

Then we waded into the clear, shallow creek with our dip nets and plenty of enthusiasm! Facing the open nets upstream, we set out to catch some fascinating creatures. Naturally, we planned to release them back into the creek after a closer look.

We sorted our findings into three containers filled with creek water: one for small items (smaller than a fingernail), one for hard objects, and one for soft ones. This way, they wouldn’t harm each other while Ranger Marty talked about what we’d caught.

Creek Critters: A Close-Up

He shared some fascinating facts about the creatures we found and how they fit into the ecosystem. It wasn’t just fun; it was educational!

• Crawfish: Also known as crawdads, crayfish, and mudbugs, these scavengers primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Interestingly, their teeth are inside their digestive system. One crawfish we found had a missing claw and tail, but Ranger Marty assured us they could regenerate.
• Fingernail clams: These freshwater clams are filter feeders that can tolerate organic but not chemical pollution. Fingernail clams are sensitive to both types, so finding one is a good sign of a healthy stream.
• Snails: Holding a snail with its opening facing up can tell you a lot. If the opening spirals to the right, the snail has gill-like structures and breathes underwater. If it spirals to the left, the snail breathes air and can tolerate more water pollution.
• Salamanders: Needing pure, clear, cool water, the Southern Appalachians are the salamander capital of North America. Like frogs, salamanders go through metamorphosis.
• Dragonfly nymphs: These look nothing like their adult counterparts! We found a darner, a Cherokee club tail, and a Dragonhunter club tail. All can squirt water behind them for jet propulsion. When they emerge from the water, there’s no cocoon; they split their skin to become dragonflies.

Dragonfly Delights

After safely releasing all the creek critters back into the water, we took a short walk to a pond teeming with dragonflies! Having just seen the nymphs, it was exciting to spot the adults. Ranger Marty pointed out several different species, making the experience more enjoyable.

Nature’s Scratching Post

We also paused to examine a tree marked with scratches and scrapes. Ranger Marty suspected it was the work of a bobcat! (You can see bobcats at Bays Mountain Park, also in Kingsport.)

Whistle Wonders

Ranger Marty also surprised us by making a whistle out of a horsetail reed and an even louder whistle out of an acorn top. Kids love his noisy nature toys, but I’m pretty sure adults do too!

Exploring the Lake

After drying off from our creek adventure, we headed to the newly upgraded Fort Patrick Henry Lake marina for more water fun. The marina features a small snack bar, a gift shop, restrooms, and even a meeting space for small groups.

Visitors can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, or pedal boats, with life jackets provided. While I enjoy the SUP life, I chose a kayak this time—it’s much easier to snap photos while sitting.

Although we would have loved to paddle longer, a storm rolled in shortly after we arrived, abruptly ending our adventure.

Other Activities at Warriors Path State Park

Warriors’ Path State Park has got you covered if you’re looking for land adventures too. There’s an 18-hole golf course and a 27-hole disc golf course. You can hit the hiking and biking trails or go fishing. They also offer lots of guided hikes, talks, and educational programs.

The Park’s Boundless Playground is a must-see, with accessible swings, slides, climbing equipment, a playhouse, and a treehouse. Don’t miss the Braille Trail, which features eight sensory stations and a Narnia-themed story.

Final Thoughts

Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport, Tennessee, is a gem you shouldn’t miss. Whether splashing through creeks with Ranger Marty or paddling around Fort Patrick Henry Lake, the park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water. Beyond the water, you can enjoy golf, hiking, biking, and the unique Boundless Playground. Plan a visit soon—you won’t regret it!