The lake, the forest, and gatherings at the property. Use this page for the area. Fellowship on the porch, on the water, and under the night sky is listed on Events.
On the water
- Rat Branch Boat Launch (USFS, ~3.8 mi east)
- Shook Branch Beach – enclosed swim beach with restrooms
- Fish Springs Marina (about 3 minutes) – pontoon and deck-boat rentals, fuel
- Boots Off Hostel – kayak and SUP rentals
- TN fishing license: gooutdoorstennessee.com · TWRA fees
- Fishing events & lake guide
Hiking & waterfalls
- Appalachian Trail across Watauga Dam – 6.2 mi round-trip from Shook Branch
- Laurel Falls – Pond Mountain Wilderness, 2.6-4.6 mi round-trip
- Roan Mountain Carver’s Gap – alpine balds, about 30 minutes south
- Doe River Gorge – historic railroad tunnels (register before visiting)
Attractions & day trips
- Bristol Motor Speedway – Food City 500 and Night Race weekends
- Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock NC
- Grandfather Mountain – Mile-High Swinging Bridge
- Elizabethton Covered Bridge – historic downtown
Dining & groceries
- Local: Ridgewood Bar & Grill, Hampton; Dutch Maid Bakery, Johnson City
- Groceries: Food City and Walmart in Elizabethton (~12 mi)
- Boat fuel: Fish Springs Marina, Watauga Marina
