Watauga Lake

Wading into Watauga Lake

BY LUKE BARBER

One does not need to travel five to 10 hours to the beach to soak up some sun, instead a waterfront adventure can be found right here in the High Country by taking a day to visit Watauga Lake. Situated just over the Tennessee border, Watauga Lake rests amidst sprawling mountain tops and forested banks where boaters and fishermen can become acquainted with their sea legs in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors to this pristine location have a variety recreation options available to them, including swimming, camping, hiking, biking and much more.

HISTORY

Situated in the Cherokee National Forest, Watauga Lake is actually a manmade reservoir, even though its inherent beauty would leave one PHOTO BY MATT DEBNAM WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JEFF WILLIAMS OF JOHNSON CITY, TENN. assuming that its pristine shores were shaped by Lakeshore Marina, pictured here from the water, is one of three public marinas on Watauga Lake. Along with Mallard Cove and Fish Springs Marina, these marinas are the ‘go-to’ location for visitors who want to rent a boat. Boat owners nature. The lake was can also launch from three US Forest Service access points around the lake. created in 1948 as part of the Watauga Dam in order to control flooding in the Tennessee River Visitors can explore Watershed. the area’s history at The In order to complete Butler Museum, located the project, an entire at 123 Selma Curtis Road Experience town had to be relocated. Much of Butler, in Butler, Tenn. The museum is open from Tenn., known affection- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday ately as the “Town that through Saturday and 12 Wouldn’t Drown,” had to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For to be relocated to higher more information, click elevations, thus staying to thebutlermuseum.com true with the mantra. The or call (423) 768-3880. town’s population of 600 people, as well as many ON SHORE of the town’s homes and Watauga Lake has five businesses, were relo- U.S. Forest Service-maincated to a location that tained recreation areas is known today as “New” where visitors can picnic, Butler. All in all, 55 miles sunbathe, grill and even of new road had to be dip their toes in the waconstructed and approxi- ter. Within the vicinity, mately 1,000 gravesites there are many options had to be relocated. To- families can enjoy to day, the relocated Butler spend a fun, relaxing day is an unincorporated together. Sites requiring Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park community in Johnson reservations and fees can County, Tenn., along be reserved by clicking to Learn about our history and more at tourcartercounty.com tourcartercounty.com the northern shore of recreation.gov. For more Watauga Lake. information about USFS maintained areas, click to fs.usda.gov/main/cherokee/home or call the Watauga Ranger District office at (423) 735-1500.

SHOOK BRANCH BEACH

Located on the southwestern corner of Watauga Lake, this 20-acre site is a great location for family fun and recreation. The site features a large, enclosed swimming area, a sandy beach, 24 picnic tables and a large grassy field fit to let the kids loose in. Shook Branch Beach offers opportunities for individuals or families to enjoy, and visitors may even see dedicated hikers going by, as the Appalachian Trail passes through the area. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset through Sept. 13.

Activities and amenities: beach area, swimming, picnic areas, grills and restrooms.

Cost: the fee for vehicle access is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass.

WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA

This recreation area offers sprawling views of the lake, while visitors can relax underneath the shaded trees as they

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RAFTING • CANOEING • KAYAKING • TUBING

Connecting Families and Friends on the Water

Wahoo’s Adventures: More than Water Sports

Wahoo’s Adventures goes beyond fun on the water — the experiences are about reconnecting and learning more about yourself and your friends or family. “If you get out in nature in the mountains, listening to the water rush and seeing the waterfalls and splashing around, you can connect better with yourself,” states new co-owner Julie Kolodziej. “Because you can connect with yourself, you’re better able to connect with the people that you love.” Kolodziej, along with partners Brian Abraham, Brian Fryzel and Christina Fryzel, recently purchased the well-known business that has been facilitating family fun on the water for 42 years.

Wahoo’s has established a phenomenal reputation as a High Country attraction that features kayaking, canoeing, tubing and caving adventures; Wahoo’s Adventures received two “Outfitter of the Year” awards by the PPA (Professional Paddlesports Association) and customers voted the company #1 in its category on TripAdvisor. Wahoo’s has further expanded their activity offerings this year, with inflatables being introduced to the Watauga location and arcade games at the Todd spot. Both locations will also offer hot food for hungry adventurers.

River Experiences

Wahoo’s operates aquatic experiences with tubing, canoeing, and kayaking on the New River near Boone; rafts and duckies on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Tennessee; and an all-day rafting experience down the Nolichucky River, where customers can wind through canyons walls among a thick mountain forest. The last experience features class II, III, and IV rapids, and one of the rapids is a quarter mile long. The river is one of the top 10 whitewater runs in the country; it is also the best run in the High Country.

Land Activities

For those who prefer to keep their Appalachian adventures out of the water, Wahoo’s offers walking trails along the New River in Todd, NC. In addition, cavers can explore the stalactites and stalagmites of Wahoo’s private cave outside of Blountville, Tennessee (17.5 miles from the Watauga location). Caving trips can be customized to fit any age group or skill level. Special rates are available when combined with river adventures. With two five-acre riverfront facilities in Todd and Elizabethton, adventurers will find campsites, tree houses, patios and picnic areas ideal for any outing. Wahoo’s also has inflatables in Elizabethton and is planning on establishing an arcade in Todd.

Safety is the Highest Priority

Above all, the Wahoo’s team is dedicated to guest and guide safety. First-aid and CPR certifications are mandatory for Wahoo’s guides. Trip leaders and river managers also carry either Wilderness First Response or Wilderness EMT certifications.

Tips for Wahoo’s Trips

Keep those mountain memories alive — adventurers can order photos or videos of the journey from staff photographers. Tipping is encouraged in the world of guided water adventures and between 15–20% is considered customary for guides. Wahoo’s encourages parents to bring children as young as 3 on the Watauga River trip in Elizabethton while kids ages 7 and up will thoroughly cherish the Nolichucky adventure. Small dogs are also permitted. Chilly mountain temperatures shouldn’t stop you — Wahoo’s rents top-notch wetsuits and splash tops to guests.

As a family-friendly adventure destination, Wahoo’s welcomes groups of all kinds: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school field trips, church outings, wedding parties, work retreats, and fraternity and sorority trips. Wahoo’s also offers catering for coordinated adventures.

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gather with their friends and family to picnic or to simply enjoy the view. A gravel trail loops through the nearby forest, and a large pavilion along with other grassy areas adorned with picnic tables are available for group outings until Oct. 12. A total of 41 picnic tables are available free of charge. No overnight camping is allowed, and swimmers who chose to submerge in the cool waters must do so at his or her own risk. The site is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Activities and amenities: Picnic areas, scenic views, drinking water and restrooms.

Cost: The pavilion and the grassy area can be reserved for $30.

CARDENS BLUFF CAMPGROUND

Located high overhead and overlooking the 6,430-acres of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff offers many great opportunities for campers looking to spend the night underneath the starts and by the water’s edge. The site offers more than 40 sites for tent campers, as well as showers and flush toilets. Several sites also accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. The site is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Oct. 11. Campsites hold a capacity of up to five members and two vehicles.

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

Cost: Camping is $12 per night.

DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND

For the more private individuals, Dennis Cove is one of Watauga Lake’s more secluded campsites. The site is located adjacent to the Laurel Fork Creek, which offers trout fishing opportunities for the intrepid angler. A remote, developed campground is popular with those seeking a more rustic experience, and the lush forest surrounding Dennis Cove is especially desirable for those looking to beat the summer heat.

With a network of five trails spanning the distance between the lake and the campground, as well as three more attached to the Appalachian Trail, Dennis Cove is Watauga Lake’s premier location for hikers who are up for a challenge.

Activities and amenities: Camping, hiking, picnic areas, fishing, potable water and restrooms.

Costs: Campsites are $10 for single sites and $20 for double sites. The campground accommodates 70 people across 14 campsites, with a maximum of five vehicles and two people at each site.

A rainbow over Lakeshore Resort at Watauga Lake. PHOTO COURTESY LAKESHORE RESORT

POND MOUNTAIN SHOOTING RANGE

For those looking to spend a day on the shooting range, this USFS maintained firearms range is open from dawn to dusk. Sportsmen can take aim at targets set up at 25, 50 and 100 yards away. Interested parties can contact the Watauga Ranger District for more information.

Costs: Fees are $2 per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest pass.

ON THE WATER

In order to experience all that Watauga Lake has to offer, you will need a boat. Fortunately, Watauga Lake features three marinas on the lake’s shore that provide rentals as well as docks and slips for individuals looking to keep their boat docked on the lake year round. Boaters who bring their own vessel for a day out on the lake can put in at three convenient USFS launch ramps.

COVE RIDGE MARINA AND YACHT CLUB

This private marina offers covered slips and long-term RV camping, as well as many activities such as walking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, a children’s playground, a private beach and a swimming lagoon. For more information, click to coveridgemarina. com or call (423) 768-3760.

FISH SPRINGS MARINA

Fish Springs Marina has just about everything you need to get you on the water, including pontoon boat rentals, jet ski tours, stand up paddle board rentals, canoes and kayaks. The marina also offers slip rentals, boat sales, RV campsites and a store on site. For more information, click to fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.

LAKESHORE RESORT

From pontoon and ski boats to slips and boats for sale, Watauga Lakeshore Resort and Marina offers a wide variety of services for visitors to the area. A

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PHOTO BY MATT DEBNAM WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO JEFF WILLIAMS OF JOHNSON CITY, TENN. With hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore, the coves of Watauga Lake each have their own unique features and character.

WATAUGA

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shop on site sells snacks, tackle and beverages, and guests can eat at Captain’s Table Restaurant after a long day on the water. Lakeshore also has rental cabins on site, which offer gorgeous views of the lake and a marina with a 21-boat rental fleet. The resort is visited heavily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with visitors coming from all over to enjoy its assorted amenities.

For more information about rentals and offerings at the marina, click to laskeshore-resort.com, or call (423) 725-2223.

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, call (828) 768-3440.

RAT BRANCH LAUNCH

In addition to the launch, the site also features a fishing pier and restrooms. Located at the eastern end of the lake, visitors can find the location between Shook Branch Beach and Cardens Bluff off of Highway 321. Parking is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 with a Cherokee National Forest Service Pass. The site open sunrise to sunset year round.

SINK MOUNTAIN LAUNCH

Located on the Northeastern shore of the lake, east of Butler, there is no charge at this secluded launch at the end of Paved Forest Road 298 off Tenn. Hwy. 167.