Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and flanked by the Appalachian Mountains, Watauga Lake is one of the most scenic in the Tennessee River watershed. It offers access to the Appalachian Trail and has 105 miles of shoreline with many options for outdoor recreation and beautiful views. Exploring the area makes a fun day trip from Beech Mountain. It’s about 25 miles away, allowing about 45 minutes to drive the scenic, winding roads.
From Beech Mountain, take the winding Buckeye Road down the “backside” of the mountain to US 321. Turn left to reach the lake area. After crossing the Tennessee state line and traveling 2.7 miles on US 321, turn right onto Greggs Branch Road to reach two fantastic wineries: Watauga Lake Winery & Villa Nove Vineyards.
From the wineries, continue to Lakeview Drive for scenic drive by the lake, ending at Highway 67. Take a left to reach the Butler area, home to the interesting Butler Museum and Cove Ridge Marina. Continue to connect to US 321. Turn right to see more of the lake area, or turn left to return to Beech Mountain.
The US 321/TN 67 Tennessee State Scenic Drive accesses several national forest recreation areas and provides scenic views of the lake and forest lands on Iron Mountain.
Rent a boat, including ski boats, pontoons and kayaks, at several marinas. Instruction and safety equipment included. Explore the lake with clear waters and wildlife. The lake has excellent fishing too.
Stop by the Watauga Dam Visitors Center (Wilbur Dam Rd, Elizabethton, TN 37643) for much more information about the lake. From the visitor center’s parking lot, the Overlook Trail takes you around the mountain to fabulous views of the Cherokee National Forest, Watauga Dam and its unique spillway. A side trail connects hikers to the Appalachian Trail which crosses over Watauga Dam,
Located on US 321 is the trailhead to Laurel Falls and the Appalachian Trail. It’s a 4.5-mile roundtrip moderate hike to the 40-foot tall waterfall in a picturesque setting.
During the summer months, hit the beach at Shook Branch Swimming area (1588 US-321 Scenic, Hampton, TN 37658). Shook Branch Recreation Area also has picnic tables with grills, and access to the Appalachian Trail passes through Shook Branch Recreation Area.
From the Hampton area of the lake, it’s quickest to return to Beech Mountain via US 19E, traveling through the towns of Roan Mountain and Elk Park. Just past the town of Elk Park, turn left onto NC Highway 194 to return to Banner Elk. Turn left onto Beech Mountain Parkway (NC 184) as you arrive into Banner Elk.
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