North Carolina whitewater, Watauga River Watauga county, Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V     4.9 miles   There are commercial rafting outfitters from both NorthCarolina and Tennessee run the section of the Watauga River flowing downstream of the TVA Wilbur Dam Resevoir to Elizabethton, Tennessee.'' Says Robert Ritchie The scenic beauty of North Carolina and the water flowing gracefully down Watauga River attract people from near and far. The average North Carolina whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit easier to master     than those in other states, so you'd better keep in mind that many of the rivers in this state are not very demanding. This section of Watauga River is 4.9 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class IV-V section. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, you can easily run it on an afternoon. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Boone, as you can see on the road map further down. There are so many sections to paddle in this river system, the Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake section is just one of many. A bit of exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great reasons to come. Whether you're whitewater rafting or   kayaking there are lots of good spots for that around here. The campgrounds here at Watauga River are pretty good. Briefly about the general area: Roan Mountain State Park is worth checking out if you're at Watauga River, and close by you stumble on Keller Gap which is a glorious site to visit. Hiking is a popular thing to do around Watauga River; Iron Mountain Trail is a pleasant local trail. You're sure to come across some smiling people from Sugar Grove here; great hiking is available along the Little Pond Mountain Trail. Everybody nearby loves skiing at Ski Beech. Watauga River, Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Watauga River.   Whitewater Near Watauga River: Watauga, Watauga / Johnson County, 2 miles away       Class IV-V - 4.9 miles long (Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake) Watauga River, Watauga County, 2 miles away       Class IV-V - 4.9 miles long (Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake) Elk River, Carter County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 4.3 miles long (Route 2520 to US 321 bridge Close to Elk Mills) Watauga River, Watauga County, 6 miles away       Class II-III - 4 miles long (US Route 321 Bridge to Route 1200) Elk River, Avery County, 6 miles away       Class IV-V - 8.4 miles long (Route 1326 to Route 1305) Elk River, Avery (NC)/Carter (TN) County, 6 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 4.8 miles long (Route 130 to bridge above Sone Mtn Church Tennessee) Elk River, Carter and Avery County, 6 miles away       Class IV-V - 5 miles long (Big Falls to Poga Rd) Whitewater Outfitter - High Mountain Expeditions, Avery County, 9 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Doe River, Carter County, 12 miles away       Class II-III - 4.6 miles long (Crabtree to Blevins Bridge on Bear Gauge Road) Watauga River, Watauga County, 12 miles away       Class I-II - 12 miles long (North Carolina Route 105 Bridge to US Route 321 Bridge)   Ski Areas Near Watauga River: Ski Beech, North Carolina , 5 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 9 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 10 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 18 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 45 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 91 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 91 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs   Marinas Near Watauga River: Pioneer Landing Campground, Butler , 3 miles away Pappy's Marina and Campground, Butler , 7 miles away Lakeshore Marina, Hampton , 14 miles away Fish Springs Marina, Hampton , 18 miles away Lake View Dock, Bristol , 18 miles away   Hotels Near Watauga River: Jackalope's Mountain Lodge, Banner Elk , 5 miles away Banner Haven Bed And Breakfast, Banner Elk , 7 miles away Best Western Mountain Lodge At Banner Elk, Banner Elk , 8 miles away Blue Ridge Village, Banner Elk , 10 miles away Highland Hills Cabins, Boone , 15 miles away   Campgrounds Near Watauga River: Mountaineer Falls Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Elk Park, 6 miles away Grandfather Campground and Cabins, Banner Elk, 7 miles away Pappy's Marina and Campground, Butler, 8 miles away   Trails Near Watauga River: Little Pond Mountain Trail, Carter , 10 miles away Iron Mountain Trail, Johnson , 11 miles away Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 12 miles away Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 12 miles away Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Caldwell , 12 miles away   Public Lands Near Watauga River: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 59 miles away Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee , 13 miles away Sycamore Shoals State Park, Tennessee , 16 miles away Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee , 24 miles away   Golf Courses Near Watauga River: Wilderness Trail, Banner Elk , 7 miles away Diamond Creek, Banner Elk , 8 miles away Sugar Mountain Golf Club, Sugar Mountain , 9 miles away   Lakes Near Watauga River Wildcat Lake, Avery , 8 miles away Watauga Lake, Carter , 15 miles away South Holston Lake, Sullivan , 18 miles away