Wilbur Lake
Overview
Located in Carter County, Tennessee, this scenic lake is small -- only 72 acres surface area and 1.8 miles long -- and is situated just below Watauga Dam. The Watauga Power Company built the 375-foot-long, 77-foot-high Wilbur Dam on the Watauga River in 1912. TVA purchased the dam and lake in 1945, rehabilitated the dam, and placed it back into service generating power in 1950. It is the second oldest dam in the TVA system. Because of the extremely cold water, fishing is limited to rainbow and brown trout, which are regularly stocked. The reservoirs are surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and flanked by the Appalachian Mountains. Even in the dog days of summer, Wilbur and Watauga remain cool, with a constant breeze blowing through the Watauga River gorge.
Activities
Camping
TVA operates 80 public recreation areas throughout the Tennessee Valley, including campgrounds, day-use areas and boat launching ramps.
Fishing
Because of the extremely cold water, fishing is limited to rainbow and brown trout, which are regularly stocked.
Picnicking
Please enjoying a picnic in the scenic park. Do not litter.
Directions
Driving
Interstate 81 to Exit 69 to Highway 37 at end of ramp turn right onto Highway 394 go approximately 4 miles turn right on 19E/11E toward Johnson City. Stay on 19E South approximately 2 miles. Turn left follow signs to Elizabethton. Left on to Highway 91. Approximately 2 miles turn right on Blue Springs Road. Stay straight through the first fork. Turn right and cross one lane bridge. Follow signs to the dam.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(423) 239-2000Links
Official URL
http://www.tva.gov/sites/wilbur.htm- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
