Carter County Map, Tennessee

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 15:21 ET

Map of Carter County - Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Carter County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Carter County located in the map, major cities in Carter county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Carter County, Tennessee

Map of Carter County, Tennessee

About Carter County Map, Tennessee: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways and neighbouring counties.

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About Carter County, Tennessee

Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It's county seat is Elizabethton. As per 2020 census, the population of Carter County is 56134 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 341 sq mi (883 km2). Carter County was established on 1796.

Carter County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateTennessee
County SeatElizabethton
Largest City/TownElizabethton
Established1796
Total Area348 sq mi (901 sq km)
Land Area341 sq mi (883 sq km)
Water Area7 sq mi (18 sq km)
Population56,356 (Census 2020)
Population Density165 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-19E, US-321, TN-67, TN-91
Neighboring CountiesJohnson County, Sullivan County, Washington County (TN), Avery County (NC), Mitchell County (NC)
Famous ForRoan Mountain, Appalachian Trail access, scenic beauty
Top AttractionsRoan Mountain State Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, Watauga Lake
Official Websitehttps://www.cartercountytn.gov

Cities and Towns in Carter County, Tennessee

  • Elizabethton (county seat) – 14,176 (Census 2020)
  • Watauga – 351 (Census 2020)
  • Valley Forge (CDP) – 2,000 (Census 2020)
  • Central (CDP) – 2,300 (Census 2020)

Roads and Highways in Carter County

Carter County is connected by several highways that provide access to northeast Tennessee and nearby mountain regions.

  • U.S. Route 19E – runs east–west, connecting Elizabethton to Johnson City and North Carolina
  • U.S. Route 321 – runs north–south, linking to Johnson City and Boone, North Carolina
  • State Route 67 – connects rural communities and scenic areas across the county
  • State Route 91 – provides access to Roan Mountain and mountain regions

Neighboring Counties of Carter County

  • Johnson County (north)
  • Sullivan County (west)
  • Washington County, Tennessee (southwest)
  • Avery County, North Carolina (southeast)
  • Mitchell County, North Carolina (south)

Top Attractions in Carter County

Carter County is known for its mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and historic sites.

  • Roan Mountain State Park – offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views
  • Watauga Lake – popular for boating, fishing, and camping
  • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – a key site in early American frontier history
  • Appalachian Trail – runs through the county with scenic mountain hikes
  • Covered Bridge Park – features a historic covered bridge in Elizabethton
  • Laurel Falls – a scenic waterfall accessible by hiking trail
  • Doe River Gorge – offers outdoor adventure activities and train rides
  • Buffalo Mountain (nearby) – known for hiking and panoramic views

Distance from Carter County to Nearby Cities

  • Carter County to Johnson City – 10 mi (16 km)
  • Carter County to Bristol – 25 mi (40 km)
  • Carter County to Knoxville – 110 mi (177 km)
  • Carter County to Asheville – 60 mi (97 km)
  • Carter County to Nashville – 280 mi (451 km)

FAQs about Carter County

Where is Carter County located?

Carter County is located in northeastern Tennessee in the United States.

What is the county seat of Carter County?

The county seat is Elizabethton.

What is Carter County known for?

It is known for Roan Mountain, outdoor recreation, and scenic Appalachian landscapes.

What are the main attractions in Carter County?

Main attractions include Roan Mountain State Park, Watauga Lake, and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

How can I get to Carter County?

You can reach Carter County via U.S. Routes 19E and 321.

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