Watauga River At just over 78 miles, the Watauga River stretches from Avery and Watauga counties in North Carolina into East Tennessee, near Elizabethton. The Watauga River is known for its trophy rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing, especially in the tailwater below Wilbur Dam. Whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities on the Watauga River. Contact: View Gallery RELATED ATTRACTIONS Buffalo Mountain Park Yee-Haw Brewing The Willow Tree Coffee House... White Duck Taco The Cottage Taste Budz PLACES TO STAY Carnegie Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Holiday Inn Hampton Inn #FINDYOURJCPACE Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all expedition. Find your pace, share your journey, and connect with others. Load More...