Things To DoThings To Do
LAKE DAY — WATAUGA LAKELAKE DAY — WATAUGA LAKE
Just minutes from Sugar Hollow Spend the day on beautiful Watauga Lake! Rent a pontoon, Jetski, kayak or paddleboard, go tubing, take a swim, or simply relax on the water surrounded by the mountains. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy a Tennessee summer day—and you’ll be right near Sugar Hollow.
Mallard Cove MarinaMallard Cove Marina
Spend the day out on beautiful Watauga Lake! Mallard Cove Marina is close to Sugar Hollow and is a great spot to start a lake day. Rent a pontoon, go boating or fishing, or just enjoy a day on the water surrounded by the mountains. If you're planning to rent a boat, we recommend calling ahead and making a reservation — especially for Labor Day weekend!
Watauga Point Recreation AreaWatauga Point Recreation Area
Looking for an easy lake day? Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon along Watauga Lake. There are shaded picnic areas, grills, lake access, and a short trail through the forest. A great low-key option for relaxing and enjoying the mountain views.
Watauga Lake WineryWatauga Lake Winery
Watauga Lake Winery is located close to Sugar Hollow, an ideal location to visit while enjoying your stay at Sugar Hollow. You can also source wines for your event from here. As you pass through the wrought iron gates, the vineyard-laced hills give way to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the mountain ranges.
Cove Ridge MarinaCove Ridge Marina
One of the best spots for getting out on Watauga Lake! Rent a pontoon or Jetski for the day or grab kayaks or paddleboards and explore the lake. If you're planning a full lake day, we recommend reserving ahead
Bigfoot Outdoor CompanyBigfoot Outdoor Company
Everything you need for a lake day in one place! Rent a pontoon, kayak, paddleboard, or tube and spend the day exploring Watauga Lake. Call ahead to reserve your rentals.
Roan Mountain State Park— Easy/Moderate Hiking + ExploringRoan Mountain State Park— Easy/Moderate Hiking + Exploring
Spend a few hours exploring Roan Mountain! The park has beautiful wooded hiking trails, mountain scenery, the Doe River, picnic areas, and plenty of places to explore. A great option whether you want a real hike or just a scenic afternoon.
Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike ParkTannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park
Tannery Knobs is a purpose-built mountain bike park covering more than 40 wooded acres near downtown Johnson City. It has trails for different skill levels, including beginner-friendly flow trails, more technical terrain, jumps, and a paved pump track. It's more of a bike park/skills park than a long backcountry ride, so it's a great option for a few hours of riding. Local Motion Cyclery is also in Johnson City and offers bike rentals/demos, including mountain bikes. I'd tell anyone specifically planning to ride Tannery Knobs to call ahead and confirm the right mountain-bike rental and sizing before making plans.
Villa Nove VineyardsVilla Nove Vineyards
Best for: Wine tasting, lunch/food, live music, mountain views, relaxed afternoon. ake a break from the lake and spend the afternoon at this beautiful mountaintop vineyard in Butler. Enjoy wine tastings, Italian-inspired food, live music, and incredible 360° views of the surrounding mountains. A perfect option for a relaxed Saturday afternoon. Check their website for current hours and live music before heading over!
Laurel Falls + Appalachian Trail — Waterfall HikeLaurel Falls + Appalachian Trail — Waterfall Hike
Looking for a real mountain hike? Follow the trail through Laurel Fork Gorge and along a portion of the Appalachian Trail to beautiful Laurel Falls. Expect river views, footbridges, wooded trails, rocky sections, and a waterfall at the end. This is a moderate hike, so wear good shoes, bring plenty of water, and give yourself a few hours to enjoy it. Parking is limited, so heading out earlier in the day is recommended!
Doe Mountain Recreation AreaDoe Mountain Recreation Area
Approx. 30–40 minutes from Sugar Hollow Head to Doe Mountain for miles of UTV and ATV trails winding through the Tennessee mountains, with scenic overlooks along the way. Advance reservations are highly recommended for Labor Day weekend.
Blue Hole HikeBlue Hole Hike
Approximately 50 minutes from Sugar Hollow Cool off at one of East Tennessee’s hidden gems! Blue Hole Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls tucked into the Cherokee National Forest near Elizabethton. A short hike from the parking area leads to cascading falls and a gorgeous natural swimming hole surrounded by forest. It’s an easy adventure to pair with a laid-back Saturday in the mountains. Tip: There are steep stairs leading down toward the lower pool, and they can get slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good traction.