Watauga Lake

Take a dip into Watauga Lake

BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

One of the many things that the High Country offers is the beautiful scenery both within and surrounding the area. During the fall, many begin wishing for those summer days by the beach, a salty sea breeze in the air. However, being located in the eastern corner of the state, beaches are few and far between unless you make a long trip across the state to the coast.

Watauga Lake, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in northeastern Tennessee, can give tourists that beautiful view of fall colors, while also taking in the mountains that surround it.

The lake began its attractions in 1942 and was dammed up in 1948, capturing 10.05 square surface miles of cool and calm waters that reach between Johnson County and Carter County. The lake is surrounded by the forested mountains of the High Country and sits at just 1,959 feet above sea level.

As the Tennessee Valley Authority’s highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee, the lake is located just west of Boone and can be accessed from both Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties.

This man made reservoir was originally built for flood prevention, creation of an aquatic habitat and hydropower generation. Since opening, the lake has become a staple to both locals and tourists.

The area offers boating, fishing and swimming. Lodging and camping is also available. With the Appalachian Trail crossing the southwestern tip of the lake, it has become a great accommodation to hikers and campers alike.

When staying at the lake, a variety of lodging is offered, including Lakefront and Off-Water Vacation Rentals, the Iron Mountain Inn Bed and Breakfast, Lakeshore Resort, Cherokee Forest

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A beautiful day on Watauga Lake with autumn foliage in the background.

Mountain Cabins, Sugar Hollow Retreat, Roan Creek Campground and an upcoming new resort,

For boating, there are several marinas to launch your boat just on the water. These Marinas are: • Cove Ridge Marina (423) 768-3741 • Fish Springs Marina (423) 7682336 • Lakeshore Marina (423) 725-2223 • Mallard Cove Marina (423) 7683440 • Pioneer Landing Marina (423) 768-3164.

Each marina offers marine gas and a boat launch ramp. If you’re looking to rent a boat, check out the marinas for your options.

For fishers, an array of fish are swimming within the lake waters. Watauga Lake holds Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Walleye.

In addition to recreational activities, Watauga Lake also houses a winery, Watauga Lake Winery and a restaurant, Southern Craft BBQ.

The winery sits above the lake, overlooking the waters and offers many choices of premium wines.

In March of 2022, Southern Craft BBQ expanded from Bristol to Watauga Lake. Owner Rafael Zabala, a graduate from Johnson County, officially opened the new restaurant in May. Many of your BBQ favorites are offered on the menu as well as fresh fish, brewed beers and a kid’s menu.

To learn more about Watauga Lake, visit www.wataugalaketennessee.com.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR ENJOYING WATAUGA LAKE

While having fun at Watauga Lake is always the focal point of a visit, it’s also important to recognize that there are hazards involved with visiting any body of water.

The following are some helpful hints to maximize your enjoyment of time at Watauga Lake, whether boating, camping, or just taking in the beauty of the area. • Secure your vehicle when visiting the lake and leaving your vehicle unattended. • Be respectful of other visitors. • Fishing at Watauga Lake requires a Tennessee fishing license, which can be purchased for a nominal fee at area marinas and other locations. • Do not carve, chop or damage trees by the lake. • Place all litter in proper receptacles or carry them with you for disposal at an appropriate disposal location. • Do not burn outside of designated areas around the lake. • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at all US Forest Service-maintained recreation areas and campgrounds. • Always maintain awareness of your surroundings. • Be courteous to other boaters while traveling on the lake. • Be aware of no-wake zones. • Boating under the influence of alcohol is both illegal and dangerous to self and others.

The following is a listing of the various key areas at the lake to find the perfect activity to enjoy your time on the water.

Shook Branch Beach

Located on the southwestern corner of Watauga Lake, adjacent to U.S. Hwy. 321, this 20-acre site is a great location for individuals or families seeking a day trip on the lake. A large, enclosed swimming area, a beautiful sandy beach, 24 picnic tables on site, and a large grassy field for romping. The area is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through October 27 and is a short drive away from the nearby town of Hampton, Tennessee.

Activities and amenities — Beach area, swimming, picnic areas, grills, restrooms

Fees — Fee for vehicle access is $2 per vehicle per day or a $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass.

Watauga Point Picnic Area

Offering scenic views of the lake, this recreation area is shaded by large trees, but also contains a beautiful grassy area with plenty of room for picnicking and sunbathing. There is also a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest. A large pavilion and picnic tables are available for rent for family gatherings and other events, and a number of smaller picnic tables are available free of charge. As there is no designated swimming area on site, swimming is at the visitor’s own risk. No overnight camping is allowed at the site, which is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m through.

Activities and amenities — Picnic areas, scenic views, swimming (at patron’s own risk), drinking water, restrooms.

Fees — $30 rental fee per day for pavilion or large picnic tables.

Cardens Bluff Campground

High on a bluff overlooking Watauga Lake, Carden Bluff offers more than 40 tent campsites. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Campsites are for one group of up to five individuals and two vehicles. The site is open through Sept. 18.

Activities and amenities — Camping, bathrooms, warm showers, potable water.

Fees — Campsites are $12 per night.

Dennis Cove Campground

Situated approximately five miles south of the recreation areas on the western end of the lake, Dennis Cove Recreation Area is a secluded campground and picnic area adjacent to the Laurel Fork Creek, which offers trout fishing opportunities for the intrepid angler.

Of all the sites in the area, Dennis Cove has the most to offer for the serious hiker. With a network of five trails spanning the distance between the lake and the campground, and three more connecting to the Appalachian Trail to south of the site.

Activities and amenities — Camping, hiking, picnic area, fishing, potable water, restrooms

Fees — Campsites are $10 for a single site and $20 for double sites. The campground can accommodate 80 individuals and groups of less than 75 people may reserve the entire campground.

Pond Mountain Shooting Range

Firearm enthusiasts can enjoy a day of shooting on this USFS maintained shooting range, located on 321 between Watauga Point and Shook Branch Beach. With targets set up at 25, 50 and 100 yards, the range is open from daylight to dusk.

Fees — Fee is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass.

Lakeshore Marina

From rental pontoon and ski boats to slips and boats for sale, Lakeshore Marina offers a wide variety of services for visitors to the area. A shop on site sells snacks, tackle and beverages, and guests can dine at the Captain’s Table restaurant after a long day on the water. Lakeshore also has rental cabins on site, offering gorgeous views of the lake. For more information about rentals and offerings at the marina, click to www.lakeshoreresort.com, or call (423) 725-2223.

Fish Springs Marina

With pontoon boat rentals, jet ski tours and rentals of stand-up paddle boards, and canoes and kayaks. The marina also offers slip rentals, boat sales, RV campsites and a store on site. For more information about Fish Springs, click to www.fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.

Mallard Cove Marina

A sizable carp population at this marina makes for a unique attraction, in addition to pontoon boat rentals, a boat launch and a snack bar. For more information, click to www.mallardcovemarina. com or call (423) 768-3440.

Cove Ridge Marina and Yacht Club

This private marina offers covered slips and long-term RV camping, as well as many activities and amenities such as walking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, a children’s playground, a private beach and swimming lagoon. For more information, click to www.coveridgemarina.com or call (423) 768.3741.

Rat Branch Launch

This paid USFS boat launch is conveniently located between Shook Branch Beach and Carden Bluff off of Highway 321. In addition to the launch, the site also features a fishing pier and restrooms. Parking is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass. Open sunrise to sunset, year round.

Sink Mountain Launch

Located on the Northeastern shore of the lake, east of Butler, there is no charge to this secluded launch at the end of paved forest road 298 off Hwy. 167.