Top 6 Lakes around Watauga

For family-friendly activities, Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk is an excellent choice. It features a white sand beach, a designated swimming area with lifeguards during summer, and docks for fishing. You'll also find picnic shelters with grills, a volleyball court, and playground sets. Price Lake in Julian Price Memorial Park is another great option, offering calm waters perfect for family boating with canoe, paddleboard, and kayak rentals available, along with picnic areas and a large campground.

Watauga Lake is ideal for a wide range of water sports. Its expansive, clear, and cool waters are perfect for power boating, houseboating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water skiing, and jet skiing. More than half of its shoreline is within the Cherokee National Forest, providing ample public access.

Yes, several lakes offer excellent hiking. Price Lake has a scenic 2.7-mile loop trail around the lake within Julian Price Memorial Park. For a more leisurely walk, Bass Lake in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park features an accessible 0.8- to 1-mile loop gravel trail. Additionally, the Appalachian Trail follows a ridge above Watauga Lake, making it a popular spot for hikers seeking more challenging routes.

All the major lakes offer good fishing. Watauga Lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, walleye, brown, and rainbow trout. Wildcat Lake is regularly stocked with brook, rainbow, and brown trout, as well as bluegill and bass. Price Lake and Bass Lake also permit fishing and are stocked with trout and bluegill, with bait and tackle rentals often available at Price Lake.

Yes, camping is available. Julian Price Memorial Park, home to Price Lake, features one of the largest campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with shoreline campsites. Watauga Lake, with much of its shoreline in the Cherokee National Forest, also provides numerous camping facilities.

Bass Lake in Blowing Rock holds historical significance. It's a man-made lake built around 1905 as part of textile magnate Moses Cone's estate. The serene setting, with views of the historic Flat Top Manor overlooking the lake, adds to its unique charm.

Bass Lake is perfect for a quiet, leisurely stroll. Its accessible 0.8- to 1-mile loop gravel trail is popular for walking and jogging year-round, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere directly off Highway 221.

The lakes and surrounding parks are rich in wildlife. Julian Price Memorial Park, which encompasses Price Lake, is home to deer, bears, and various bird species. The natural settings of Watauga Lake (Cherokee National Forest) and Wildcat Lake also provide opportunities to observe local fauna.

Yes, Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk is known for its distinctive white sand beach and a designated swimming area. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Wildcat Lake and Watauga Lake. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the scenic foliage, particularly around Price Lake and Bass Lake. Winter can be quiet and picturesque, though some facilities may have reduced hours.

Absolutely. Price Lake is known as a 'paddler's paradise' where you can rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Wildcat Lake also encourages non-motorized boating like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with rentals often available on-site. Watauga Lake is also suitable for canoeing and kayaking.

You can find more details about Price Lake and Julian Price Memorial Park, including visitor information and current conditions, on the National Park Service website: nps.gov/places/price-lake.htm.