Things To Do

From fishing guides and family activities to restaurants and points of interest, here's what we recommend...

FISHING GUIDES

Are you new to fly fishing and looking for someone to show you all the "ins" and "outs" to this great outdoor pastime? Or are you a seasoned fisherman who would love to know the best spots to catch the one that "WAS THIS BIG!!!!!"? Below is a list of companies that can guide you to a great fly fishing experience in the East TN area! Most offer both floating and wading trips throughout the region and many also provide rental equipment if needed. You will need a fishing license before you embark. Most companies allow you to buy through them on the day of the excursion or you can go here to purchase one online beforehand.

East Tennessee Fly Fishing - Based right here in Elizabethton, TN, Jason has 17 yrs of experience on the waters of this area and can also provide shuttle service for those who do float trips the Watauga River.

Eastern Fly Outfitters - Located close by in Piney Flats, TN, EFO has several guides, all knowledgable of the local rivers and lakes of East TN and West NC.

High Country Angler - Another locally based company in Johnson City, TN, they provide guided trips down the Watauga and South Holston rivers.

Eco Fly Fishing - Also known as Elk Creek Outfitters and located across the Watauga Lake in Butler, TN, they also have guided excursions to the New, Nolichucky and French Broad where you can fish muskie.

Blue Ridge Anglers - Ollie is based close by in Boone, NC and has been fishing these waters for over 20 yrs.

Due South Outfitters - Also located in Boone, NC, Patrick will guide you through the rivers of the High Country of TN and NC.

Altamontanglers - Based in Asheville, NC and guiding tours in west NC and East TN for over 20 yrs.

Trophy Water Guide Services - located just up the road in Hampton, TN with multiple guides to help you explore Watauga River

Asheville Fly Fishing Co. - Also based in Asheville, this company has guides that hail from all over the SE United States but now call this region their home.

Tri-State Angler - Guided excursions locally and in SW VA and NW NC.

Bowman Fly Fishing - Based in NC. They provide tours for 1st timers and experienced.

Watauga Joe's Fishing Service - Pontoon boat fishing on Watauga Lake.

Brown Trout Fly Fishing - based in both Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN have been guiding the Watauga and South Holston for 10 years

Watauga Lake - As part of the Tennessee Valley Authority(TVA) reservoir system, this man-made lake was created in 1948. It is 10 sq miles and has 104.9 miles of shoreline with depths of up to 50 plus feet! Because of the steep shoreline and the scarcity of buildable, privately-owned waterfront property, the lake offers amazing natural views and serene peacefulness.

Watauga River - This river which starts in NC and empties into the Watauga Lake continues on after the Wilber Dam for 21 miles where many people go whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing. The Watauga River has class 1 & 11+ rapids and is one of only two rivers in the state that is classified as a Trophy Trout Stream.

Wilbur Lake & Dam - Another man-made lake created from TVA, this lake extends 3 miles down from the foot of the Watauga Dam down to the Wilbur Dam, providing another great location for fishing in the area. You can get the Wilbur Dam release schedule here.

South Fork Holston River and Dam - This portion of the Holston River extends for 18 miles and has been estimated to contain as many as 6000 fish/mile and trout up to 20 inches! You can get the Holston Dam release schedule here.

Family activities

There are so many exciting outdoor activities to do that are just minutes from Bee Cliff Cabins. From the riding the river to zipping from the tops of the mountains, you and your family will create memories that you can cherish for years!

Watauga Kayak - From white water rafting to kayaking to caving, Watauga Kayak is a great resource for family activities. Open year round, weather permitting, the WK team will guide you over exciting rapids and through 100 yr old caves, all while pointing out the beauty and nature that the East TN mountains have to offer! And they provide pictures of the experience so you can relive the great memories once you are home.

Off the Grid Adventures - Open seasonally(5/1-10/31), Off the Grid Adventures rents jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes on Watauga Lake. They also offer guided tours and lessons. Great way to experience the beauty of the lake.

Off the Grid Mountain Adventures - Ride an ATV to the top of the mountain, then zipline 3,000 ft on a monster zip, all while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian mountains of East TN. These are just a sample of some of the adventures you can find here.

Tweetsie Railroad - Open for over 50 yrs, this locomotive theme/amusement park is just 51 miles away for a great day trip. With shows and rides, it is a great day trip. Open seasonally from April-Oct and then weekends Nov-Dec.

State Line Drive-In Theater - Experience a trip back to the 50s, the State Line Drive-In has been a part of Elizabethton since 1947. It is open weekends and holidays March-September. Just a quick 6 mile drive.

Saturday Night Cruise-In - Love classic cars? Every Saturday April-Oct you can enjoy classic old cars in downtown Elizabethton from 5-9.

Zip lining at Off the Grid Mountain Adventures

Appalachian Trail on top of the Watauga Dam

Points of Interest

This area is full of both natural and man-made points of interest, most of which can be reached in an hour or less. Below is a list of a few of our favorites and all make for a great day trip from Bee Cliff Cabins!

Bristol Motor Speedway - Host of the NASCAR Food City 500 in April and the Food City 300 and Bass Pro Shops NRA Night races in August, bringing in thousands of people from all over the world. Only 20 miles from the cabins.

Appalachian Trail - Completed in 1937 the Appalachian Trail stretches over 2000 miles from Maine to Georgia and it passes just 4 miles from Bee Cliff Cabins. This portion of the trail passes right over the Watauga Dam with a gorgeous view of the lake and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Sycamore Shoals Park & Fort Watauga - If you like American history then you have to stop by the Sycamore Shoals Park and Fort. You will get a glimpse into colonial times and if you happen to visit during July then you can see the "The Saga of Sycamore Shoals", an outdoor drama reenactment with period costumes with Fort Watauga as a backdrop. 8.5 miles from the cabins.

The Covered Bridge - This historic landmark in downtown Elizabethton is cherished by all. Built in 1882 it has become part of the heritage of the city.

Roan Mountain State Park - Encompassing 2000 acres of hardwood forest, Roan Mtn State Park offers 12 miles of hiking trails and 2.25 miles of biking trails. Located just 30 mins from the cabins and in June you can enjoy the hundreds of rhododendrons that bloom all over the mountain and enjoy the festival, 6/17-18, just 23 miles from BCC.

Grandfather Mountain - 40 miles just across the NC/TN border in Newland, NC you can find this mountain top park, so called because pioneers thought it looked like the profile of an old man. Here you can dare to cross the swinging bridge to stand on what seems like the top of the world! There is also hiking, a wildlife habitat and a nature museum.

Linville Falls - a 3-tiered beautiful waterfall with 3 different short hikes of varying levels. 43 miles from the cabin

Blue Ridge Parkway - 469 miles long and stretching from north-west VA down through the Blue Ridge mountains through western NC. Beautiful scenery and views and some of the best view are only an hour from the cabins.

Restaurants

Kimbo's - It you're hunkerin' for some homemade country cooking then look not further. Just 3 miles up the road. Open for breakfast and lunch.

JB's Burgers & Ice Cream - Go back to the 50's and enjoy a delicious burger or chicken Philly with fries while you listen to 50's music. Top it off with a shake or a peanut butter banana split. Mmmm good.

J's Corner - located at the entrance of downtown Elizabethton. Try one of Jarred's grilled cheeses and cherry cokes. He also smokes his own BBQ sandwich.

Big Dan's East Tennessee BBQ - also known for their BBQ sandwiches and pig wings. And don't for get about dessert, the peanut butter or coconut pies are delicious.