March - May

Spring in Sullivan County

Spring in Sullivan County is when the heritage season comes alive.

Spring in Sullivan County is when the heritage season comes alive. Rocky Mount opens its doors in early March, wildflowers carpet the mountain trails at Bays Mountain and Warriors' Path, and the moderate temperatures (50s-70s) make outdoor touring comfortable and rewarding. The NASCAR Food City 500 kicks off the racing season at Bristol Motor Speedway in mid-March, drawing 160,000 fans. Exchange Place's Spring Garden Fair in May showcases heritage crafts and heirloom plants. Spring is the ideal season for the Presidential Trail, Heritage Passport, and Great Stage Road tours.

Temperatures range from the upper 40s to mid-70s. Rain is common, pack layers and a rain jacket. Mornings can be chilly, especially in the mountains. Dogwood and redbud blooms peak in April.

Top experiences this season

Rocky Mount season opening with America 250 programming
NASCAR Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
Wildflower hiking at Bays Mountain Park
Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair
Great Stage Road Historic Drive with spring scenery
South Holston River trout fishing (spring hatches)

Routes for spring

Premium experience

The Presidential Trail

Walk where three presidents walked, an America 250 signature experience

2 days · 5 stops · From $125

Self-guided route

Where Tennessee Began Heritage Passport

Your self-guided passport to Sullivan County's founding story

2 days · 3 stops · From $35

Great Stage Road Historic Drive

Follow the frontier highway through Sullivan County, free self-guided audio tour

1 day · 3 stops · Free

Premium experience

Three Centuries of Sullivan County

The complete Sullivan County experience, heritage, music, motorsports, and nature

3 days · 7 stops · From $199

Self-guided route

Civil War Trail

A divided county, a divided nation, Sullivan County's Civil War story

1 day · 3 stops · From $25

Self-guided route

Family Explorer Pass

Two days of adventure for the whole crew, nature, music, and discovery

2 days · 3 stops · From $89

Events this spring

Plan it

Plan a spring itinerary