Area Attractions

Watauga Lake, at the top of the mountains, is enchanting as well as abundant in recreational opportunities. Excellent fishing for several varieties of trout, muskie, bass, and other species. Boating, water skiing, swimming, picnicking and camping facilities are available.

The Covered Bridge in Elizabethton is one of the few historic covered bridges remaining in the US and is still in use today. The bridge, built in 1882, is surrounded by a mini-park. The Covered Bridge Celebration is held the 3rd week in June.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park was witness to earth-shaking events in America’s history. The park houses Fort Watauga, a visitors center, museum, and films on area history. Tennessee’s Official Outdoor Drama, The Wataugans, is presented here Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., the last three weekends in July. This drama tells the story of the “Overmountains Men” and our Revolutionary War turning point, the Battle of Kings Mountain. There is an admission charge.

The 1780 Carter Mansion, recognized to be the oldest frame house in Tennessee, a part of the State Historic Area, is located three miles north of the re-constructed Fort Watauga, and is open for tours. Many musical and cultural events are scheduled here. For information, please call 423-543-5808 or 543-6140. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 W. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN. 37643, or contact Jennifer Bauer at jennifer.bauer@state.tn.us

Autumn on Roan Mountain is truly unequalled. Panoramic views of the awe inspiring colors of Fall…as they splash on our surrounding mountains is something to be seen. Peak leaf colors are usually October 10 to 20th.

Spring and Summer in the mountains in and around Roan Mountain brings out the wildlife in abundance.

Hiking, mountain biking and outdoor fun is the ‘order of the day’.

Snow falls bring out the sleds and tubes for enjoying the snow with the entire family!

Cross country skiing in the South’s deepest natural snow atop Roan Mountain is open to the public throughout the winter.

The Appalachian Trail, meandering across the highlands of the Roan, takes the hiker through the largest expanse of grass open lands in the Southern Appalachians.