Watauga Lake — Attraction in Beech Mountain

This is one of my favorite places to go. I have some advice about the place that might be handy if you want to visit.

If you want to experience the true beauty of Appalachia, this is the place. Don't trust Google maps to guide you there though, it brought us to some guy's private property wanting us to trespass.

I come here all the time, it's gorgeous in all seasons. I've included photos from the different seasons so you can see what it looks like. In the spring, there are tons of ducks and geese, and their babies are everywhere!! So cute. Just watch out for goose poo! The swimming area is great during the summer, and it is absolutely beautiful to see the colorful trees in the fall. In the winter there's consistently way less people there so if you want to be by yourself you should go then. It's very peaceful. Just be careful if there's ice! Even so, the spot I like to visit isn't usually too crowded except maybe in the summer. It's not that bad though.

This lake is great for fishing and boating too. Sometimes I see the fish nearly jumping out of the water!

If you want to visit, I recommend going to 1588 US-321 Scenic, Hampton, TN 37658. You can get to Shook Branch park there. It's got a tiny little parking lot (if you can even call it that lol) right next to the road. On the right side of the parking area there are stairs that go down and split into two paths. The left path goes to the hiking tail and the right path leads to the swimming area. Hope you have a great time! I go fairly often so you might...

Very clean lake! We currently have a Tritoon docked at Lakeshore Marina and are looking for a houseboat. We would prefer it to be at Lakeshore, but we definitely know that Watauga is the lake for our family! The grandkids love swimming, tubing and fishing. It would be great if we could plan weekends to stay on the lake without having to pack, unpack and transport 8 adults, 6 children and 2 Frenchies! The mountain and water views are stunning! The lake visitors seem to be extremely cordial and considerate both on and off the lake. Lake Watauga isn't far from grocery stores, restaurants or medical facilities. We are now entering our 3rd summer and are very anxious to get started! If you know of someone interested in selling a houseboat and possibly selling or transferring the slip where it's currently docked PLEASE feel free to contact me here. Enjoy your best Lake Life at Watauga!!

UPDATE: We found one! The perfect houseboat for our family of 13. We took possession in September, 2022 and couldn't be happier. We even spent Thanksgiving 2022 on the lake. Even in cold weather, this place makes the perfect getaway. Our family is extremely anxious to begin Summer 2023 on our new found home away from home at...

I haven’t been in a few years, but it’s generally very clean and lovely to view with good camping areas throughout. Principally among its attributes, lies the fact that the shores are bounded by national forests on all sides. Indeed,the Appalachian Trail runs the crest of the western ridge and across the dam. Watauga is a 5-star lake for recreation/beauty.

I’m third generation Watauga Lake with grandparents on both sides that were moved to higher ground by the TVA in the 40s. I learned to ski on this lake; spent my summers here. I worked at a marina and have many, many fond memories on that water.

However, three-stars for culture. I tell folks Watauga is like a silly cheerleader: good for moral, but kind of useless and often boring once you dig deeper. Sorry, that’s my take. Watauga Lake might well be perfect for you (it’s kinda perfect regardless of my opinion) but I suggest...