Trails at Winged Deer Park

Winged Deer Park Trail Map (click to enlarge)

The trails at Winged Deer Park, a city park located in Johnson City, TN, offer a conveniently-located opportunity for city residents to explore a natural environment close to town. The park offers both paved and unpaved (or natural) trails through the forested area of the 200 acre site, in addition to the half-mile paved track that circles the softball fields. I wish I could report that the paved trails are conducive to families with strollers, bicycle riders and those in wheelchairs, but they are often incredibly steep -- precluding a leisurely 'walk in the the woods'. However, the unpaved trails are better designed and allow for a more enjoyable walking/hiking experience as they are of a more reasonable grade. If you haven't visited the park (or at least the wooded section of the park), I'd recommend parking at the lower "Disc Course" parking lot on the backside of the park (click map above) and then walking into the woods to pick up the White Loop Trail. It's steep at first, but then moderates to give visitors the opportunity to explore the woods. Visit late March/early April to see a huge bluebell flower patch on Bluebell Loop (see this post and map below). While a number of years back there were issues of criminal activity in the park, I haven't heard of any issues in the last few years.

Map of trails and disc golf course (click to enlarge)

In addition to the trails, 1/2 mile track and five softball fields, the park offers batting cages, an 18-hole disc golf course, three soccer fields and playground. The nearby lakefront area features two sand volleyball courts, picnic shelter, public boating access, boardwalk, and amphitheater. The park’s historical area features the Robert Young Cabin – one of Johnson City’s oldest dwellings, the Massengil Monument, and the James H. Quillen Historical Tree Arboretum.

For a video introduction to the park, click here. For a google map of its location, click here.