Wet Noses Love Watauga Lake, Tennessee
- Luie Boone
- Oct 25
- 11 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
When Luie Boone overheard his hoomans talking about Watauga Lake, his ears perked up like little satellite dishes. Lakes are his jam—swimming, cannonballs, pontoon naps, and watching his hoomans fish? Paw-fection. But Watauga Lake isn't just any splash zone. Beneath its shimmering surface lies a secret: the ghost of a town that refused to drown.
Long ago, nestled in the valley of the Watauga River, there was a town called Butler, Tennessee. Founded in the 1760s, Butler was a cozy agricultural community, but it had one big problem: water. The Watauga River flooded so often that locals practically kept their rainboots by the door year-round. After a devastating flood in 1940 claimed lives and washed away railroads, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) stepped in with a bold plan. They wanted to build a dam and move the entire town to higher ground. Due to World War II, the construction project was delayed.
And so, in 1948, Old Bulter was submerged beneath what is now Watauga Lake. It is the only incorporated town ever flooded by a TVA project. Yet, the spirit of Butler lives on in "New Butler" and in history. In fact, at the Butler Museum, just off Highway 67, you'll find photos, furniture, and stories preserved by residents who refused to let their history sink. They even did a drawdown of the lake in 1983 to temporarily expose the remains of Old Butler for former residents to visit the site.
Luie Boone doesn't know all of that, of course. He just knows that when his paws hit the dock and the lake breeze tousles his fur, he's in paradise. But maybe, just maybe, when he gazes into the water, he's sniffing out echoes of a town that once stood proud and strong.
Overall, Watauga Lake in Northeast Tennessee is the kind of place that feels built for dogs and their humans. The calm, crystal-clear lake water stretches over 10 miles and is considered the third cleanest lake in the world! It is surrounded by forested hills, which make every view postcard perfect. There are quiet trails winding through the surrounding Cherokee National Forest—the start of an adventure for you and your pooch. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding together. Plus, many spots along the shoreline are dog-friendly, which allows your furry friend to splash in the water or chase a ball or (in Luie Boone's case) do the biggest cannonball ever.
There are many cabins and rentals around the lake that welcome in pets, so it's easy to find a spot where you dog can nap on the porch after a morning walk or curl up by the fire pit at night. Many properties even have fenced-in yards, which gives dogs a safe spot to roam around freely, while the hoomans hang out and relax. Luie Boone will bark about the cool cabin that his hoomans picked out—Sugar Hollow Point—later. Unfortunately, his hoomans told them there's not a bunch of sugar for him to enjoy there, because, like they always say, sugar is not good for pooches.
For easy lake adventures with your dog, there are several access points that are paw-some for letting pups explore the water and trails. One local gem is the Warriors' Path State Park, which can be found at the northern end of the lake. This state park has a dog-friendly beach area and miles of hiking paths to explore. The Wilbur Dam Access is another local gem. This is a quiet place for dogs to swim and play. And don't forget about Shooks Branch Recreation Area, which features picnic spots and a gentle shoreline. There are many smaller pull-offs along the lake, which allow dogs to stretch their legs and enjoy the water without crowds. Luie Boone will be sure to find the pull-off with the best cannonball capability!
Now, let's talk about the towns and cities that surround Watauga Lake:
The town of Butler should ring a bell from Luie Boone's history dive earlier. Butler is the closet town to the lake and makes a great home base. Dogs can join their hoomans at the Butler Trading Post, sitting at the dog-friendly, outdoor tables and enjoying yummy pizzas or tasty subs (or both, says Luie Boone!). With its marinas and open shoreline, Butler is a natural choice if you want quick access to the lake.
The city of Elizabethton is the county seat of Carter County, Tennessee. Just like Butler, this city has some interesting history. Elizabethton was home to the Watauga Association in 1772—the first independent American government west of the Eastern Continental Divide. It also hosted the Transylvania Purchase in 1775 and served as a key rallying point during the Revolutionary War. For a few years, it was part of the breakaway State of Franklin, which was a bold attempt to form a new state separate from North Carolina. Luie Boone loves history, of course, but he cares more about the pet-friendly trails and historic downtown that he'll get to explore with his hoomans. There's Sycamore Shoals Historic Park, which is a great spot for an easy riverside stroll. And, when it's time to eat, there are no shortage of options: Jiggy Ray's Downtown Pizzeria, The Black Olive, J's Corner, Appalachian Sun Brewery, and Big Dan's East TN BBQ! Luie Boone hopes he get some tasty ribs from one of those spots.
Johnson City is a paw-some spot if you want some variety, with a side of history and a splash of rebellion. The following restaurants offer pet-friendly, outdoor seating: Yee-Haw Brewing Company, White Duck Taco Shop, Holy Taco & Cantina, Timber!, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. And, if your dog has energy to burn, Off Leash Social is the place to visit. It's part restaurant, part bar, and part dog park. How cool! But this town isn't just about tacos and tail wags. Back in 1769, William Bean—Tennessee’s first white settler—built his cabin along Boone’s Creek, laying the groundwork for what would become Johnson City. Fast forward to the 1920s, and the city earned the nickname “Little Chicago” thanks to its deep ties to Appalachian bootlegging during Prohibition. So whether you're chasing craft beer or outlaw lore, Johnson City’s got a little something for everyone.
Kingsport is a great spot for dog lovers who want a mix of city comforts and outdoor adventure. Warriors’ Path State Park is a local favorite, with trails, lake views, and plenty of space for pups to roam. In town, Gypsy Circus Cider Company treats dogs like VIPs, and Stir Fry Café offers shaded patio seating perfect for you and your furry sidekick. The Kingsport Greenbelt winds through town and is ideal for a relaxed walk or morning jog with your dog. But the town also holds a dark chapter. In 1916, a circus elephant named Mary killed a handler in Kingsport. Public outrage led to her being transported to the Clinchfield Railroad Yard in Erwin, Tennessee, where she was hanged from a 100-ton crane in front of thousands. Luie Boone's happy that he doesn't have an elephant toy to bring along, because that lore is haunting.
Nearby towns like Hampton and Bluff City add even more opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hampton is right by the Appalachian Trail, making it a great place for hikers with dogs, while Bluff City offers a slower pace with small local stops and scenic spots for a walk.
Whether you’re watching your dog splash along the shoreline, sharing a meal on a sunny patio, or hiking through mountain trails, this part of Tennessee gives you the chance to relax and make memories together amid some of the state’s most beautiful scenery and tragic history.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Watauga Lake, Tennessee. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Sugar Hollow Point
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3 bathrooms.
Photos courtesy of VRBO
It features the following amenities:
Located on 2-acres on the Watauga Lake
Lagoon-style cove on one side of the peninsula
Other side of peninsula is open water
Private dock
Wrap-around patio
Fire pit
Private island to explore
2 kayaks and a canoe
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
On our vacation to Watauga Lake, Tennessee, we'd be staying at a rental called Sugar Hollow Point. My tail hasn’t stopped wagging since I heard the news. I’m bringing along my Highland Cow stuffy—named Hillybilly, so he can see the lake, too! The house is located on its own peninsula with water on both sides. One side is a calm lagoon for splashing, and the other side is a big open lake for boat-watching. There’s even a private dock, where I plan to try a cannonball (though, my hoomans claim it might resemble more of a belly flop). Best of all, there’s a private island to explore beyond the fire pit! At night, my humans will make s’mores by the fire pit. I can’t have chocolate, but maybe I’ll score a marshmallow or two. On our walks, I might meet a friendly neighbor dog or spot deer in the trees. I also heard that not too far away in Mountain City, there’s a place called Highland Legacy Farms where they raise real Highland cattle! Dogs aren’t allowed to visit, so Hillybilly and I won’t get to meet them, but it makes him feel special knowing his big, shaggy cousins live nearby. We haven’t even left yet and I’m already dreaming of swimming, sniffing, chasing, and wagging my tail at Sugar Hollow Point. This may be the best adventure ever!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing at Watauga Lake, Tennessee!
Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures
The Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures is a must-stop while vacationing in Lake Watauga. Here, you can rent a boat for the day. The boat has enough room for the hoomans and the dogs to stretch their legs, a large and shaded top, and even a wash down hose! Luie Boone will not let his hoomans get him with that. He'll just cannonball straight into the water, with his lifejacket on, of course!
The Wimp Shortcut
At Buffalo National Park, you and your pup can visit the Wimp Shortcut. This is a section of the White Rock Loop Trail, which avoids its long, steeper portion. Taking the Wimp Short is a common way for hikers and their dogs to shorten the loop and make it less strenuous (and dangerous). If somebody wants to call Luie Boone a wimp, he'll just wag his tail and continue along, because it's better to be safe than sorry! He'd rather his hoomans didn't carry him all the way back, thank you very much.
Laurel Falls
Luie Boone loves a beautiful waterfall. It's the most paw-some spot to get his feet wet and howl to his heart's content, so he couldn't be more excited about a trip to Laurel Falls. These falls are located right outside of Johnson City. You and your pooch will have to take a moderate 2.6-mile hike through lush rhododendron forests of Laurel Fork before reaching the 80-foot waterfall!
Watauga Point Recreation Area
On the southern shore of Watauga Lake is the Watauga Point Recreation Area. Here, you can find large, shaded trees scattered throughout grassy areas. These trees provide the perfect park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities, there is a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest. Luie Boone cannot wait to loop through the forest and then do a big cannonball into the lake. He bets he can swim from one side to the other; his hoomans say that won't be happening.
Blue Hole Falls
Another waterfall? Wait, a series of four waterfalls?! Luie Boone cannot believe it. But it's true, the Blue Hole Falls are a series of four waterfalls! Its name comes from the deep, blue pool located in front of the waterfalls. The falls can be reached via a half-mile loop trail. It's important to note that some visitors say they're only three waterfalls here. Luie Boone's not too sure what to believe. He'll have to visit the falls and decide for himself. If he can only howl beneath three waterfalls, that's okay. But, in his opinion, the more, the merrier!
Clifford Island
Surrounded by the captivating scenery of Watauga Lake, Clifford Island stands out for its verdant forests and stunning water views—against the backdrop of the picturesque Appalachian Mountains. This natural haven is a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts and their pups, who are seeking a peaceful retreat. Here, you can explore the island’s shores with a kayak or canoe. Trails on the island range from easy to moderate, with most suitable for most hikers and their pups.
Watauga Lake Dam Overlook
To access a viewpoint at the Watauga Lake Dam Overlook, hoomans and their pooches should follow a trail that starts at the visitor's center. The hike itself can be steep at times, but the picturesque views outweigh any difficulty! Luie Boone says you got to tough it out to enjoy the views (and the sniffs). Also, there are many wildlife spotting opportunities in this area. It is common to see mallards, wintering waterfowl, and more. Luie Boone loves mallards, and their green heads. Luie Boone has a stuffed toy mallard named Macho. Luie Boone wishes that he had a green head like Macho.
Pal's Sudden Service
Luie Boone has a ton of pals, he swears. He's got Hillybilly, of course, but he's got way more. If you read some of his other posts, you would've heard about Roger the Otter, Ms. Pixie the Poodle, Sally the Squirrel, and more. Now, you're probably wondering where Luie Boone's going with this... Well, his hoomans are taking him to Pal's Sudden Service in Johnson City. It's a casual, fast-food-style chain, serving up a variety of delicious American fare. And pups can even get their own treats—which means Luie Boone’s not just thinking about himself. He’s already planning what to bring back for the whole crew. Because when you’ve got friends like his, sharing the snacks is just part of the deal.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Watauga Lake, Tennessee
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I'm so excited to go to Watauga Lake, Tennessee—nothing beats swimming, sniffing, and long walks by the shore. I’m even bringing my Highland Cow stuffed toy, Hillybilly. I figure he won’t mind a little adventure by the water. But then, I learned that the lake was built on top of the old town of Butler. It was a place that had to move when the dam was built. They say parts of it still rest beneath the water—quiet but not forgotten. When we walk by the lake, I may catch a strange scent beneath the pine and fresh air. It might smell like old wood, metal, and something that feels like memory. I heard that sometimes the wind sounds like faint bells or voices. My ears might perk up, even though no one else seems to hear them. Hillybilly doesn’t say much, but I bet he will feel it, too. It will be spooky, but beautiful. Maybe the lake isn’t just water; maybe it’s the past breathing softly below the surface. And even with its whispers and ghostly stories, I still want to go. There’s something special about a place that remembers, even when it’s been covered by time.
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