Watauga Lake
In Cherokee, the word "Watauga" is translated to mean "beautiful, clear, whispering waters" and Watauga Lake's lush, forested ridges, and pristine, clear waters certainly are just that! Stunning Watauga Lake is located in northeastern Tennessee and offers plenty of fun on the water surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Located deep in the Appalachian Mountains, within the Cherokee National Forest, Watauga Lake is the Tennessee Valley Authority's highest-elevated reservoir. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, sailing, canoeing and even hiking on Watauga Lake's 10 square mile surface and 104 mile shoreline. Our East Tennessee Vacation Rentals are the perfect getaway and Watauga Lake is one of the best places to visit!

Watauga lake sits at 1,959 feet above sea level at "full pool", and the lake typically sits with a depth at 305 feet at its maximum level, however this was not always so. The area that is covered by the lake was once a town, known as "Old Butler". In 1942 to TVA announced plans to dam the Watauga and Elk Rivers and create a deep reservoir for power generation and flood control. In 1948 the project was completed and the town of Old Butler relocated ashore Watauga Lake and maintains an intriguing museum with exhibits, artifacts and displays that pay homage to the life of the townspeople of downtown "Old Butler" that is now flooded by the lake.

Part of the Appalachian Trail crosses through the southwestern part of Watauga Lake TN, and as much as 58 miles of Watauga Lake's 104 mile shoreline are part of the Cherokee National Forest. Much of the remaining private land is considered below the 100-year flood plain ordinance, therefore only temporary structures are allowed. Because of this most all of the land has remained undeveloped and, Watauga Lake's shoreline is lush, green, and wonderfully unspoiled.

Watauga Lake's cool waters are clear and simply delightful to enjoy on a hot summer day! Swimming and boating are very popular activities and there are several beach areas and marinas that offer boat slips and swimming along the shoreline for a nominal fee. If you want to fish, get ready to catch black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, brown and rainbow lake trout, large and smallmouth bass and walleye as the TVA regularly stocks Watauga Lake with these varieties. Kayaking, canoeing and even white water rafting are all available around Watauga Lake for those that enjoy a bit of an adventure!

Come stay with us in our East Tennessee Vacation Rentals in Roan Mountain. We're located right in the heart of all of the fun things to do. Enjoy not only Watauga Lake, but also, the Doe River, Grandfather Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, and even the Blue Ridge Parkway which are all nearby! Contact us today to reserve your cabin rental and get ready to enjoy a getaway you'll never forget!
 

Cove Ridge Marina 947 Piercetown Road Butler, TN 37640 423-768-3741 Marine gas, boat launch ramp, boat slips, grill	Fish Springs Marina 191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, TN 37658 423-768-2336 Marine gas, boat rentals, boat slips, boat launch ramp	Lakeshore Marina 2285 Highway 321 Hampton, TN 27658 423-725-2223 Marine gas, boat rentals, boat slips, boat launch ramp
Mallard Cove Marina 200 Mallard Cove Drive Butler, TN 37640 423-768-3440 Marine gas, boat launch ramp, snack bar	Pappy’s Marina 1700 Sink Valley Road Butler, TN 37640 423-768-3892 Marine gas, boat launch ramp, snacks, boat slips, 35 campsites, cabins	Pioneer Landing Marina 105 Cowan Town Road Butler, TN 37640 423-768-3164 Marine gas, boat launch ramp, boat slips

 

Please click on the links below for more area information:
State Parks	Golf	Grandfather Mountain
Rafting	The Appalachian Trail	Watauga Lake

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us either at 423.772.4804 or toll free at 888.899.3781, email us, or use our online request form.