Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary & Windrock Adventure: A Perfect East Tennessee Family Day Trip (2026)
Some day trips are about reaching a destination.
Others are about the journey getting there.
One of our favorite East Tennessee adventures combined a morning exploring the mountain trails surrounding Windrock Park before spending the afternoon walking through the historic halls of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tennessee.
Whether you're driving a Jeep, side-by-side, or simply taking a scenic drive, this area offers an incredible mix of Appalachian history, mountain scenery, and outdoor adventure.
Quick Facts
📍 Location
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
9182 Hwy. 116
Petros, Tennessee
⏱️ Recommended Visit
3–5 hours
Add another half or full day if you're exploring Windrock.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly?
Yes.
Older children and teenagers especially enjoy the history, museum exhibits, prison cells, and stories from Tennessee's past.
🐶 Dogs
Only trained service animals are permitted inside the prison buildings.
🍽️ On Site
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Distillery
Museum
Seasonal events and concerts
About Brushy Mountain
Opened in 1896, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary housed some of Tennessee's most dangerous inmates for more than 100 years before closing in 2009. Today, visitors can tour portions of the prison, including cell blocks, the yard, chapel, gymnasium, laundry, museum, and the infamous "Hole." D Block remains closed because of structural concerns.
Walking through the massive steel gates immediately gives you an appreciation for both the engineering of the prison and the difficult history behind its walls.
Our Experience
One of our favorite parts of this trip wasn't just the prison itself.
Before arriving, we spent the morning winding through the nearby mountain trails.
The backroads offered incredible views of East Tennessee's forests, quiet ridgelines, and mountain hollows before eventually leading us toward Brushy Mountain.
By the time we arrived, it felt like we'd already been on an adventure.
The prison simply became the next chapter.
Jeeping Through Windrock
If you own a Jeep or another capable four-wheel-drive vehicle, combining Brushy Mountain with Windrock Park makes for an unforgettable day.
Windrock is one of the largest privately owned off-road park systems in the country, with hundreds of miles of designated trails ranging from beginner forest roads to extreme rock-crawling obstacles.
If you're new to off-roading...
Choose easier scenic routes.
You'll still experience:
Mountain overlooks
Forest roads
Creek crossings (depending on the trail)
Wildlife
Beautiful Appalachian scenery
You don't have to tackle difficult obstacles to enjoy Windrock.
Don't Own a Jeep?
No problem.
You can absolutely visit Brushy Mountain without ever entering Windrock.
Some alternatives include:
Drive directly to Brushy Mountain via Highway 116.
Explore nearby Frozen Head State Park after your tour.
Enjoy lunch at the Warden's Table Restaurant.
Browse the museum and gift shop.
Take one of the guided prison tours.
You'll still have an incredible day exploring one of Tennessee's most unique historical sites.
What You'll See Inside
Your tour takes you through several fascinating areas, including:
Historic cell blocks
Solitary confinement ("The Hole")
Chapel
Cafeteria
Laundry
Prison yard
Museum exhibits
Guard towers
Historic prison artifacts
You'll leave with a much greater appreciation for Tennessee's correctional history and the people who lived and worked behind these walls.
Hours
Hours vary by season.
During the summer months, the prison is generally open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last standard tour beginning at 5:00 PM. Always verify current hours before making the drive, especially if you're visiting during winter or on a concert day.
Tips Before You Go
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes.
✔ Allow at least three hours.
✔ Bring your camera.
✔ If exploring Windrock first, carry plenty of water.
✔ Cell service may be limited on some mountain roads.
✔ Purchase tickets online during busy weekends when possible.
Nearby Attractions
Windrock Park
Frozen Head State Park
Obed Wild & Scenic River
Historic Wartburg
Appalachian scenic backroads
Gear We Recommend
Before heading into the mountains, pack:
Hiking boots
Recovery gear (if off-roading)
Daypack
Water bottle
Trail hat
First aid kit
Camera bag
Everything you need for your next adventure can be found at Bunker714.com.
Our Thoughts
Brushy Mountain isn't your typical tourist attraction.
It's a place that tells a difficult chapter of Tennessee's history while sitting in one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the state.
Pairing the visit with a scenic drive or Jeep adventure through the surrounding mountains creates a day that's equal parts history lesson and outdoor adventure.
If you're looking for something different than the usual Smoky Mountain itinerary, this is well worth the trip.
📸 Travel Explore Capture Tip
If you're already in the area, don't rush straight to the prison. Spend some time exploring the surrounding mountain roads or designated off-road trails first. The contrast between the peaceful Appalachian forests and the imposing prison walls makes the experience even more memorable.
Travel More. Explore Further. Capture Forever.
Adventure With Purpose.
✝️ Faith Along the Trail
Brushy Mountain is a reminder that every person has a story. While these walls once represented confinement and consequences, the Gospel reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Freedom isn't just found beyond prison gates—it is found in Christ.
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
— John 8:36 (KJV)
