Watauga Lake

Watauga Lake is a reservoir located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains. It was created in 1948 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) when the TVA dammed the Watauga River. The lake is named after the Watauga River, which is derived from a Cherokee word meaning "beautiful water." The lake has a surface area of 6,430 acres and 105 miles of shoreline. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The lake is also home to several marinas, parks, and campgrounds, as well as a range of wildlife habitats that include bald eagles, ospreys, and black bears.