Surrounded by densely forested mountains, Watauga Lake sits 1,959 feet above sea level at full summertime elevation. At Watauga Lake, it’s usually a few degrees cooler than similar locations closer to sea level. Watauga’s surface covers 10.05 square miles of Johnson County and Carter County. Watauga Lake, located east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, is the local name of the Watauga Reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority with the 1948 completion of the TVA Watauga Dam. If you are a lover of the water and being outdoors in the summertime or anytime Watauga Lake has much to offer the potential home buyer. In this article, we will go over activities at Watucga Lake and all that you can come to love and enjoy in the area that is quickly growing in popularity.
The Appeal of Watauga Lake Rea Estate
Operational Hours: Watauga Point Recreation Area is first come first serve only. The bathrooms have been closed and winterized for the 2021 season. The area is open between dawn and dusk. You are able to visit the area any time of the year. Keep in mind that some of the areas are closed off due to the winter season but stay open steadily in the spring and summer. The original town of Butler, Tennessee, now sits at the bottom of Watauga Lake. “New” Butler was relocated to higher ground above the summer pool edge of the TVA reservoir. Other nearby Tennessee cities and communities include Hampton, Elizabethton, Roan Mountain, Mountain City, Johnson City, and Bristol. At the TVA summertime water level target “full pool”, the lake surface covers 6,430 acres (26 km²) and the estimated depth of Watauga Lake is 265 feet (81 m) at the dam. At full pool, Watauga’s elevation is the highest of all TVA lakes at 1,959 feet (597 m) above sea level. Johnson County is situated on the north side of Watauga Lake, which is said to be the third cleanest lake in America. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. The lake offers water sports such as skiing, wave runners, sailboats, and pontoon boats.
Watauga Lake is not only gorgeous but you can have some wonderful water fun and create new memories:
Kayaking on Watauga Lake
- Kayaking on Watauga Lake
- Shook Branch Beach offers a great spot to launch your kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
- The Appalachian Trail crosses the beach area.
- You can also see the dam as you kayak.
Swimming – A large grassy area for picnicking or sunbathing, and a designated lake swimming area along Watauga Lake, makes for a perfect summer retreat. The Watauga Riverkeeper, housed at the MountainTrue, monitors the Watauga River Watershed for E. coli, a bacteria found in the waste (feces) of most warm-blooded animals, including humans. High levels of Ecoli levels in the Watauga River are low, and the river is typically safe for swimming. It’s beautiful, clean and friendly. Excellent fishing, skiing, kayaking, cruising, and floating. There are several marinas, public boat launching areas, and a few places to grab a meal.
Jet Skiing– If you do not own a jet ski do not worry there are plenty of places listed for you to find one to rent and enjoy for the day located around Watauga Lake
Though you wouldn’t know by looking at it, Watauga Lake is actually a man-made reservoir with an interesting backstory. The dam that created the reservoir was begun in 1942, shortly after the US entered World War II. Lake Watauga in Tennessee is one of the most scenic lakes that you can visit in the southeast. Boating, skiing, jet skiing, and fishing are all allowed on the lake. If you want to rent a boat or jet ski, there are several marinas on the lake that offer boat rentals and more.
The area offers not only fun activities but beautiful properties that offer an incredible view of the water. This area is one that many want to grab a deal on in the real estate market.
Misty Oaks Real Estate; Homes for Sale Watauga Lake
Misty Oaks Real Estate offers many options for real estate in the Watauga Lake area. If you are looking for a place to settle in forever, this area is unmatched in beauty and local activities to keep you busy making memories all summer long, contact us today at Misty Oaks Real Estate and see if we have just what you are looking for.