Watauga Lake is a TVA-managed reservoir in northeastern Tennessee, surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, with the Appalachian Trail passing through the area. From an Elizabethton starting point, you can plan a day around swimming, boating, a picnic or nearby hiking; Travelers Inn Elizabethton is a two-star hotel in Elizabethton.
- Setting: Northeastern Tennessee, within the Cherokee National Forest.
- Swimming: Shook Branch Recreation Area is identified as a summer swimming area.
- Picnics: TVA picnic facilities are available daily, at no charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Boating: Public boat ramps, access points and marinas serve the lake; nominal fees are $5 or less.
Where is Watauga Lake?
Watauga Lake lies in northeastern Tennessee, in the Cherokee National Forest. The Appalachian Trail passes through the area, making the lake setting relevant to hikers as well as people planning time on the water.
The lake is a TVA-managed reservoir. TVA’s recreation map is designed to show boat launches and recreation areas on TVA public lands, with feature details that can include driving directions. The lake is about 40 minutes from Johnson City.
Ways to spend time on Watauga Lake
Swimming, boating, picnicking and hiking are among the ways to make a day at Watauga Lake. Shook Branch Recreation Area is identified as a summer swimming area, while hikers are drawn to the reservoir.
For a picnic, TVA’s facilities at the reservoir are available daily at no charge and on a first-come, first-served basis. Watauga Point Recreation Area has picnic tables, grills, a grassy picnic area and a gravel loop trail. Its pavilion and shady area are reservable through Recreation.gov.
Public boat ramps, access points and marinas serve the lake. Nominal fees for public ramps and access points are $5 or less, though this is not a site-by-site price list.
For another outdoor outing from Elizabethton, the Roan Mountain State Park day trip is another regional option.
Public access and recreation areas
Watauga Point and Shook Branch offer different ways to access the lake and its surroundings. Watauga Point Recreation Area is on the southern shore in Carter County and is part of Cherokee National Forest.
At Watauga Point, you’ll find a pavilion with electricity, accessible flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, a grassy picnic area and a gravel loop trail. Recreation.gov says the pavilion and shady area can be reserved.
Its listing also describes a seasonal status in which bathrooms are winterized and the general area is open to drive-through traffic only; confirm current conditions before planning to use the facilities.
Shook Branch Recreation Area is a summer swimming area with picnic tables and grills, and it also provides an Appalachian Trail access point. Its listed address is 1588 US-321 Scenic, Hampton, TN 37658.
Cove Ridge Marina, Fish Springs Marina and Watauga Lakeshore are among the marinas serving Watauga Lake. Check details for the specific access point or marina you plan to use before setting out.
What to check before driving out
The TVA recreation map is under construction, so verify destination information before traveling.
If you’re planning paddling downstream of Watauga Dam, consult TVA’s recreation-release schedule for current release information. The schedule concerns water releases below the dam, not opening hours for access to the lake.
For current details on the recreation map, releases and facilities, check the official site before you go: consult TVA for its maps and release schedule, and Recreation.gov for Watauga Point reservations and conditions.
For time in town before or after the lake, the Elizabethton Covered Bridge and downtown walking guide covers a local alternative.
FAQs
Can you swim at Watauga Lake?
Shook Branch Recreation Area is identified as a summer swimming area. Check current access conditions before you go.
Are there public boat ramps at Watauga Lake?
Yes. Public boat ramps, access points and marinas are available around the lake. Reported nominal fees for public ramps and access points are $5 or less.
Can you picnic at Watauga Lake?
TVA picnic facilities are available daily at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Watauga Point also has picnic tables, grills and a reservable pavilion and shady area.
Does the Watauga Dam release schedule apply to lake access?
No. TVA’s recreation-release schedule concerns water releases below the dam for downstream paddling activities, not lake-access hours.