Boat rentals on Watauga Lake

Fish Springs Marina is a full service boat rental and slip rental business.

Rent a pontoon boat (anyone can drive one) and enjoy a picnic in the middle of the lake floating gently along, or pull up in one of the coves or islands and explore. Call Tom at 423-768-2336 to reserve your day on the water.

Jump off the side of the boat and enjoy a refreshing swim in Watauga, the third cleanest lake in the US.

Virginia Creeper Biking/Hiking Trail

The Bike Station in Damascus, VA will take you to Whitetop Station for an exciting downhill ride on the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail - a Rails to Trails conversion. Shuttles available for your own bikes, too. Reserve at www.thebike-station.com

Or, if you have your own bike, let us take you to Damascus where we will leave your car, while we take you into Abingdon. Explore this charming 18th century town, enjoy lunch at the Starving Artist restaurant, or take in a matinee at the Barter Theatre, then ride back to your car on the 17 mile section of the Virginia Creeper Trail which starts at the old railroad station.

Fly Fishing Trips - Float or Wade

Fly fish for trout, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and others in the pristine waters of Watauga River or Lake. Also enjoy fishing the South Holston, the New or Nolichucky Rivers and back country streams known only to your certified guide.

Catch and release fishing means bigger fish and better fishing.
So come, let us help you discover the "most challenging, interesting and abundant fishing found anywhere". Call Ollie Smith at 828-963-7357 or Jordan Conway at 828-264-6497

Mountain Golfing

Enjoy 18 holes of golf on one of the country's most beautiful golf courses. Roan Valley Golf Estates, Sam Adams, pro, offers a challenging course where the ball flies forever. Tournaments throughout the season (March-November depending on the weather).
And if you want other course suggestions, just give us a call. There are many fine courses in the area that welcome guests from "away".

Horseback Riding

Banner Elk Stables 828-898-5424. One-hour guided trail rides cost $25 per hour. Open everyday. Mountain trails.

Directions: Take 421 toward Boone. Take 105 Bypass to stop light. Turn right onto 105 south. Go about 13 miles and turn right on 184. Or take 19E through Elk Park. Turn left to Banner Elk. Continue straight through the stop light for 1 mile. Turn left on Shomaker Road. Follow to the top. The stables are at the dead end.

New River Canoe/Tubing Adventures

Canoe the New River with New River Outfitters, Jefferson, NC. Short or long trips allow you to enjoy America's first historic river by kayak, tubing or canoe. Call for reservations and pick-up locations. 800-982-9190

The Appalachian Angler, Fly Shop and Guide Service

For float-in or wade-in fishing excursions, give these experienced guides a call at 828-963-5050 Or, if you just need some new fishing equipment, call the Fly Shop at 828-963-8383

Historical Activities Include:

Rocky Mount Living History Museum

Come experience the daily life of a frontier family in December 1791. The Cobb Family is awaiting the arrival of the Governor of the colony. Costumed interpreters invited you to enjoy the holiday preparations and excitement as they prepare the food and homes for this important visitor. The first three weekends in December, tours are guided by lantern light.

The Wataugans Outdoor Drama

For the last three weekends in July, Sycamore Shoals is the site of the official Tennessee Outdoor Drama, "The Wataugans". Telling the story of those brave pioneers who settled these mountains; creating homes, raising families and clearing the land all the while watching out for marauding indians and then the British.