Visit David Crockett’s Birthplace in Tennessee

David Crockett Birthplace State Park is located at the Nolichucky River and Limestone Creek confluence in Greene County, Tennessee. The park is a short distance from Johnson City and an easy drive from Knoxville or Asheville, North Carolina.

Davy Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, and according to his memory, “at the mouth of Lime Stone, on the Nola-chucky river.” He would only live in the area of the park for a short time until his family packed up and moved. Crockett would live a storied life as an American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, politician, and martyr who died fighting at the Alamo.

The “King of the Wild Frontier,” as he is often known, remains famous for larger-than-life exploits whose stories have inspired generations of Americans. Today, in rural northeastern Tennessee, you can visit the area where Davy Crockett’s amazing life began.

Visiting David Crockett’s Birthplace

The park is just over 100 acres large and sits on the bank of the beautiful Nolichucky River. Many are surprised to see that the land is flat and that he was not “Born on a mountain top in Tennessee,” as the popular “Ballad of Davy Crockett” declared.

“Let your tongue speak what your heart thinks..”

― Davy Crockett

On our visit, we decided to spend the night in the campground. To our delight, the campground was quite lovely and not too full. We spent the evening hiking around the 18th-century living farmstead. There are plenty of animals, and it gives you a good idea of what it was like living in the area when it was the frontier. Visitors can check out a replica cabin like Crockett was born in. Make sure to see the original Crockett cabin footstone. It was inscribed in the 19th century and is believed to be where the original cabin stood.

There are also a few hiking trails that are worth taking a stroll on. All of which are on the shorter side and great for stretching your legs. Bird watching is another popular activity in the park. Over 90 species of birds have been observed. The Nolichucky River is great for anglers. Various fish can be caught: smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redeye, and catfish.

Enjoy your visit to the park, and we hope you get a better appreciation of where an American hero got his start in life.