Northeast Tennessee
About Watauga Lake
A hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee — offering pristine waters, mountain views, and a close-knit lake community.
16+
miles long
106
miles of shoreline
6,430
acres of water
265
feet deep
The Story
How Watauga Lake Came to Be
Watauga Lake was created between 1942 and 1948 when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed Watauga Dam on the Watauga River in Carter County, Tennessee. The 318-foot dam created one of the highest-elevation major lakes in the eastern United States.
The original town of Butler was submerged beneath the rising waters. Residents relocated and established "New Butler" on higher ground, which remains the closest community to the lake today.
Today, Watauga Lake stretches over 16 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering some of the cleanest water in the Southeast. The lake sits at approximately 1,960 feet elevation, keeping summers cooler and providing stunning four-season mountain scenery.
Lake Quick Facts
- Created
- 1942-1948 (TVA)
- Dam Height
- 318 feet
- Elevation
- ~1,960 feet
- Max Depth
- 265 feet
- Surface Area
- 6,430 acres
- Shoreline
- ~106 miles
- Counties
- Carter & Johnson
- Nearest Towns
- Butler & Hampton
Life at the Lake
Activities & Lifestyle
Boating & Water Sports
Public boat ramps, private marinas, pontoon rentals, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in crystal-clear mountain water.
Fishing
Smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, trout, and muskie. Watauga Lake is known as one of the best fishing destinations in East Tennessee.
Hiking & Trails
The Appalachian Trail runs through the area. Nearby Pond Mountain Wilderness and Cherokee National Forest offer endless trails.
Camping
TVA-managed campgrounds on the lakeshore plus nearby state parks. Primitive and developed sites available year-round.
Scenic Drives
Wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains with stunning overlooks of the lake and surrounding peaks. Fall foliage is exceptional.
Community Events
Local festivals, farmers markets, live music, and community gatherings throughout the year. A tight-knit community that welcomes newcomers.
Market Overview
Watauga Lake Real Estate
From lakefront estates to mountain building lots, Watauga Lake offers a range of property types across 23 communities in Carter and Johnson County.
174
Active Listings
41
Homes for Sale
133
Land & Lots
Median home list price: $439,900
Your Local Experts
Donaven & Christie Braun
The Braun Group · Fathom Realty TN LLC
We're full-time real estate agents living and working at Watauga Lake — and we run Watauga Lake Living, the area's local business directory. Nobody knows this lake community better. Whether you're searching for a lakefront lot, a mountain cabin, or your forever home in Carter or Johnson County, we'll help you find it.