## Overview

THE LAURELS PICNIC AREA PAVILIONS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER
FROM HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. The Laurels has been a popular area since the
early days in East Tennessee. It was a common evening stopover for farmers
from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City. The site is
named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called
"laurel." The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current
facilities in the early 1930's. Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing
a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.

## Recreation

The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot
path meanders through the nearby woods.

## Facilities

The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills. An old foot
path meanders through the nearby woods.

## Natural Features

Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all
ages on warm summer days.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>THE LAURELS PICNIC AREA PAVILIONS  IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  The Laurels has been a popular area since the early days in East Tennessee.  It was a common evening stopover for farmers from North Carolina taking produce to markets in Johnson City.  The site is named for the native Rhododendron that thrives in the area, locally called "laurel."  The Civilian Conservation Corps helped construct the current facilities in the early 1930's.  Today, it is a popular day-use area, providing a nice shady place for family picnics and group gatherings.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills.  An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Laurels has two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills.  An old foot path meanders through the nearby woods.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Honeycomb Creek flows through the picnic area and is enjoyed by kids of all ages on warm summer days.</p>

Entrance Sign at The Laurels

Bridge over Honeycomb Creek

The Laurels Pavilion

Honeycomb Creek

The Laurels

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

## Overview

DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM
HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded
campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter
County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a
rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest
surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months.
With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for family camping.

## Recreation

Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the
campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as
wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39)
follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The
Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground
along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37).

## Facilities

Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the
campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as
wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39)
follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The
Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground
along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37).

## Natural Features

Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek
nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.

## Nearby Attractions

The trailhead for Coon Den Falls Trail (#37) is next to Dennis Cove
Campground, and the trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1)
is approximately one mile west of the campground on Dennis Cove Rd. Watauga
Lake is approximately 25 minutes away.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>DENNIS COVE CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for family camping.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37). </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37). </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The trailhead for Coon Den Falls Trail (#37) is next to Dennis Cove Campground, and the trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) is approximately one mile west of the campground on Dennis Cove Rd.  Watauga Lake is approximately 25 minutes away.  </p>

Entrance Sign at Dennis Cove Campground

Laurel Fork at Dennis Cove Campground

Dennis Cove Campground

## Overview

Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the small creek that runs alongside
this recreation site. The facilities, creek-fed concrete pond and bathhouse
were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.
It is located just outside the town of Erwin, TN at an elevation of 2,300 feet
- a welcome respite from the summer heat.

Be Bear Wise: Food storage compliance is strictly enforced. Store all food and
trash in hard-sided containers and vehicles while not in use. Never have
attractants in your tent. Violations of the food storage order are ticketable
offenses and subject to fines. Food and trash left unattended will be
impounded by campground staff.

## Recreation

Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger
children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the
recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at
the amphitheater.

## Facilities

Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger
children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the
recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at
the amphitheater.

## Natural Features

Campsites are nestled in a cove hardwood forest. Adjacent to the campground is
Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, a rugged and undeveloped area.

## Nearby Attractions

The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap, 3.1 miles east of
Rock Creek. Mountain Balds, Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain Overlook are
located nearby along Forest Service Road #230. Whitewater rafting on the
Nolichucky River is provided by private companies located in Erwin, TN.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Rock Creek Recreation Area is named for the small creek that runs alongside this recreation site.  The facilities,  creek-fed concrete pond and bathhouse were originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.  It is located just outside the town of Erwin, TN at an elevation of 2,300 feet - a welcome respite from the summer heat.</p>

<p>Be Bear Wise: Food storage compliance is strictly enforced. Store all food and trash in hard-sided containers and vehicles while not in use. Never have attractants in your tent. Violations of the food storage order are ticketable offenses and subject to fines. Food and trash left unattended will be impounded by campground staff.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Hike on one (or all) of the trails adjacent to Rock Creek Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy cooling off in the creek-fed concrete pond. Younger children can enjoy the playground located in the day use area of the recreation area. Campground programs are offered every Friday night in July at the amphitheater.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Campsites are nestled in a cove hardwood forest. Adjacent to the campground is Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, a rugged and undeveloped area.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The Appalachian Trail crosses TN 395 at Indian Grave Gap, 3.1 miles east of Rock Creek. Mountain Balds, Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain Overlook are located nearby along Forest Service Road #230. Whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River is provided by private companies located in Erwin, TN.

Campsite at Rock Creek

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)

## Overview

CARDENS BLUFF IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.
CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is
located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter
County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a
bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided.
Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of
swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to
answer questions and assist with your visit.

## Recreation

Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide
easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing
are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides
notably clean water for recreating.

## Facilities

Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide
easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing
are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff. Watauga Lake provides
notably clean water for recreating.

## Natural Features

Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee
Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly
across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area,
a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic
Trail within its boundaries.

## Nearby Attractions

The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground
for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the
shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas
are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry
hiking.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>CARDENS BLUFF IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  At nearly 2,000 feet elevation, Cardens Bluff Campground is located on a peninsula overlooking the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN. There are 43 sites, primarily for tent camping. There is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets. No electrical hookups are provided. Day use areas are located nearby for those wanting to take advantage of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Campground Hosts are on site to answer questions and assist with your visit.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff.  Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Boating is popular for visitors to Cardens Bluff. Numerous campsites provide easy water access for kayaks, canoes and motorized boats. Swimming and fishing are also very popular activities at Cardens Bluff.  Watauga Lake provides notably clean water for recreating. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Watauga Lake is a 6,430-acre hydroelectric reservoir managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Directly across the lake from the campground is the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness area, a rugged, undeveloped mountain range with only the Appalachian National Scenic Trail within its boundaries.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The nearby Rat Branch Boat Launch is an easy quick drive from the campground for campers with motor boats. Shook Branch Swim Area is also nearby on the shores of Watauga Lake. Big Laurel Branch and Pond Mountain Wilderness areas are located north and south of the campground for more rugged, backcountry hiking.</p>

Rock walls at Cardens Bluff Campground

Parking at Cardens Bluff Campground

Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

Entrance Sign at Cardens Bluff Campground

Bathhouse at Cardens Bluff Campground

Cardens Bluff Campground

Bathroom at Cardens Bluff Campground

Watauga Lake

## Overview

WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM
HELENE. CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER
DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on
the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. Large shade trees
scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and
sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel
trail that loops through the nearby forest. Flush toilets and sinks are open
for the season.  

## Recreation

Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded
trail on site as well.

## Facilities

Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded
trail on site as well.

## Natural Features

At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in
Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management,
power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the
reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore.

## Nearby Attractions

Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga
Point Recreation Area. Forest Service facilities within three miles include
Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting
Range.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER FROM HELENE.  CLOSURE IS ANTICIPATED THRU MONDAY, SEPT 30, BUT COULD BE LATER DEPENDING ON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT.  Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County.  Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing.  In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest.  Flush toilets and sinks are open for the season. <br> </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga Point Recreation Area.  Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.

Watauga Point Day Use Area

Watauga Point Pavilion

Watauga Point Picnic Tables

Watauga Point Recreation Area

## Overview

Katy Branch, a former Youth Conservation Corp Camp, is a private outdoor
pavilion surrounded by beautiful Tennessee woodlands in the Cherokee National
Forest.

## Recreation

Forested land is available for hiking and exploration and an open area is
available for group activities.

## Facilities

Forested land is available for hiking and exploration and an open area is
available for group activities.

## Natural Features

Katy Branch is located in open woodland. A more heavily forested area and an
open area, part of which is used for parking, is adjacent to the pavilion
area.

## Nearby Attractions

Katy Branch is located about half-way between the towns of Greeneville and
Erwin. Though it is not located on the Nolichucky River, the river is only
about .5 miles away.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Katy Branch, a former Youth Conservation Corp Camp, is a private outdoor pavilion surrounded by beautiful Tennessee woodlands in the Cherokee National Forest.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Forested land is available for hiking and exploration and an open area is available for group activities.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Forested land is available for hiking and exploration and an open area is available for group activities.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Katy Branch is located in open woodland.  A more heavily forested area and an open area, part of which is used for parking, is adjacent to the pavilion area.  
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Katy Branch is located about half-way between the towns of Greeneville and Erwin.  Though it is not located on the Nolichucky River, the river is only about .5 miles away.

The Laurels Picnic Area Pavilions

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Dennis Cove Campground

Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)

Cardens Bluff Campground

Watauga Point Recreation Area

Katy Branch