Watauga Lake is surrounded by the immense Cherokee National Forest of Tennessee. These ancient mountains are gentle slopes compared to the towering peaks of the Rockies. Around the lake the elevation is right at 2000 ft, with most of the surrounding area rising to upwards of 3000 ft. Higher elevations and narrower, twisty roads are found closer to North Carolina and in the highlands across the border in Boone and Blowing Rock. With the Cherokee's majestic mountains, tumbling streams, and diverse vegetation, family friendly recreation opportunities are plentiful. Discover the 30 developed campgrounds, 30 picnic areas, endless miles of trails, hundreds of miles of cold water streams, seven whitewater rivers, and abundant populations of flora and fauna wildlife that are here for your enjoyment.

The National Forest is a place of scenic beauty that provides unlimited opportunities for anyone interested in nature and history. The 640,000-acre Cherokee is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee - stretching from Chattanooga to Bristol, along the North Carolina border. These mountains also lie in the heart of the one of the world's most diverse areas and the home of more than 20,000 species of plants and animals!

Dozens of recreational activities are available throughout the Cherokee National Forest, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, solo kayaking, family-friendly whitewater rafting, canoeing, and sightseeing on national scenic byways, hunting, fishing, camping, birding and wildlife watching. Visit us at Watauga Lake Retreat and experience the beauty and wonder of nature at its finest!

Taking a long walk on a mountain trail is a great way to treat your senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of the mountains and Lake Watauga. With so many trails to choose from, the first challenge you'll have is deciding where to begin. For starters, try one of the excellent day trails near the Lake or ask a local for their favorite walk. Backpackers looking for a multi-day adventure can plunge into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with 1250 miles of trails or Cherokee National Forest, which has over 700 miles of trail, or tackle a section of the famous Appalachian Trail. Day hiking destinations are also numerous, whether you're hunting for the perfect waterfall or the perfect sunset. Here's a tip: take along a colorful field guide when you hit the trail; these mountains are known for rich, diverse flora, and you'll find yourself wanting to identify the beautiful plant life you encounter.

Whether you desire the solitude of long mountain hikes, or the thrill of white water kayaking, there are no better mountains anywhere than those surrounding Watauga Lake Retreat, where beautiful water touches the sky.