Completed in 1948, this 950-foot long dam and its surrounding area provides picnicking, boat launching, tent camping and fishing. Watauga Lake, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest in northeastern Tennessee, enjoys a stunningly beautiful lake with mountain views in the Volunteer State. Begun in 1942 and dammed on the last day of 1948, Watauga Lake is TVA's highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee. Surrounded by densely forested mountains in the "high country," Watauga Lake sits 1,959 feet above sea level at "full pool"--full summertime elevation. At Watauga Lake, the air is fresh and a few degrees cooler than similar locations closer to sea level.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Watauga Dam & Recreation Area directly.
