Watauga Lake, Mountain reservoir in eastern Tennessee, United States
Watauga Lake is a reservoir in eastern Tennessee that spans 2,600 hectares and offers 167 kilometers of shoreline. The water reaches depths of 80 meters near the dam structure.
The Tennessee Valley Authority built the Watauga Dam between 1942 and 1948, requiring the relocation of the original town of Butler to higher ground. The flooding of the valley permanently changed the entire landscape of this region.
The Butler Museum displays artifacts and documents from the submerged town, preserving the memory of the original settlement beneath the water. Visitors can learn there how life looked before the flooding.
Several boat ramps provide water access, while the Cherokee National Forest surrounds more than half of the shoreline with undeveloped natural areas. Anglers and boaters find calm conditions here, especially outside summer weekends.
The reservoir sits higher than any other lake in Tennessee and ranks among the cleanest water bodies in the entire United States. This exceptional water quality makes it especially popular with divers and nature enthusiasts.
Location: Tennessee
GPS coordinates: 36.33280,-82.00237
Latest update: December 14, 2025 02:52
Tennessee offers a notable mix of geological formations and historical sites that document different periods of American history. The state extends from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, encompassing extensive cave systems, waterfalls, and forested areas....
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
18.8 km
Elizabethton Covered Bridge
18.8 kmBig Laurel Branch Wilderness
7.8 km
Simerly-Butler House
16.3 km
John T. Wilder House
16.4 kmWilson-Vines House
14.5 km
Shook Branch Swimming Area
11.7 kmPardee Point
16.3 kmFlagpole Point
16.6 kmCapitol Theatre
20.1 kmElizabethton Historic District
18.9 km
Elizabethton Historic District
18.8 kmC.R. "Doodle" White Overlook
6.2 kmDennis Cove Waterfall
12.5 kmCardens Bluff
10.9 kmScenic viewpoint
16.4 kmMerry Mountain Overlook
14.2 kmTurkey Top
15 kmChimney Rock
12.3 kmWautauga Dam
10.8 kmLaurel Falls
13.6 kmJones Falls
14.6 kmBlue Hole Falls
12.8 kmMountaineer Falls
12.7 kmCoon Den Falls
13.7 kmBuckeye Creek Falls
14.9 kmSplash Dam Falls
13.9 kmSplash Dam Falls
13.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes