One of the highest-elevation and most scenic TVA reservoirs in the eastern United States, Watauga Lake sits at 1,959 feet in the mountains of Carter County with crystalline water, minimal development, and surrounding Cherokee National Forest land. The lake offers outstanding fishing for walleye, bass, and trout, alongside boating, kayaking, and swimming at limited access points. The remote shore camping and hiking trails make Watauga Lake a bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the Southeast.