Located in Northeastern Tennessee, Watauga Lake boasts the claim of being the 3rd cleanest lake in the nation. The lake, which is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and the Appalachian Mountains gets its name from a Native American word meaning "beautiful waters". The 19 mile long lake is great for fishing for trout, bass, and walleye. It's also a popular destination for boating and water sports. The surrounding wilderness proves to be a wonderful area for picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Watauga Lake is near Elizabethton and Mountain City.