Founders Park – Johnson City loop from Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course
Founders Park – Johnson City loop from Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course
2.9
(5)
33
riders
Founders Park – Johnson City loop from Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course
02:02
30.8km
290m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 9.49 km for 238 m
After 16.3 km for 216 m
After 20.2 km for 80 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
9.61 km
Founders Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
10.1 km
State of Franklin Linear Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
19.8 km
Johnson City
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
20.3 km
C&O Depot
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
27.8 km
Tweetsie Trail Along Buffalo Creek
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
30.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.0 km
8.82 km
4.37 km
2.78 km
1.50 km
275 m
Surfaces
12.5 km
9.51 km
8.12 km
420 m
221 m
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Elevation
Highest point (550 m)
Lowest point (450 m)
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
26°C
20°C
96 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a diverse touring cycling route that blends historic rail-trail charm with urban green space, the Founders Park – Johnson City loop from Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course is worth your time. This moderate 19.1-mile (30.8 km) route, with 954 feet (291 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a varied ride, combining the natural beauty of the Tweetsie Trail with the amenities and art of downtown Johnson City.
What to expect on Founders Park – Johnson City loop from Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course
This route primarily utilizes the Tweetsie Trail, a former rail line now a crushed gravel path, offering a beautiful natural setting with views of woods, countryside, and a stream, especially on the Johnson City side. While generally flat, the packed rock surface can be rough for road bikes, making it better suited for hybrid, gravel, or mountain bikes. As you approach Elizabethton, the scenery shifts to a more urban feel. The loop then connects to Founders Park in Johnson City, an urban oasis with paved, flat paths, lush greenery, a creek, and rotating public art. You'll also catch glimpses of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains throughout your ride. The sections linking the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course to the Tweetsie Trail and the trail's Johnson City terminus to Founders Park involve riding on paved city streets, adding an urban cycling element to the journey.
Planning your visit
Starting from the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course provides a scenic backdrop for your ride. The Tweetsie Trail itself is well-equipped with amenities like benches, water fountains, and bike repair stations at its main trailheads, ensuring a comfortable experience. Founders Park is also highly accessible, suitable for all ages and abilities. While no specific permits or fees are mentioned, it's always wise to carry water, especially on warmer days. The trail is widely used, so expect to share the path with other cyclists, walkers, and runners.
Trail details
- Distance: 19.1 miles (30.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 954 feet (291 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 2 minutes
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