Places to paddle Nashville TN to Boon NC

We will be traveling from Nashville to Boon NC and are looking for a few good places to paddle during the trip. Need to be loop trips as there is only 1 vehicle. We have CD Wistler kayaks so can do a variety of water. Looking at Watauga Lake or some of the lakes around Knoxville.



Anyone have have some favorite maybe less traveled suggestions?



Thanks

Bruce

Watauga is a good big lake
If you want a fun little one when you get to Boone try Price Lake on the Blue Rdge Parkway just outside of Boone.

It is just a little pond, but the scenery is spectacular as you look up a Grandfather Mountain.

I think it is only a mile and a half each lap around it.

Its pretty crowded with tourists, but still a fun little place.

I don’t think I have ever been there without seeing a smile on everyones face.



Cheers,

JackL



Cheers,

JackL

Melton Hill Lake
Just west of Knoxville (exit 364). You can put in below or above the dam. Very little powerboat traffic (at least on weekdays). I thought the scenery above the dam was better. Saw deer, ospreys, eagles, and lots of herons. The Little Tenessee River above Chilowee Dam is also excellent but a bit out of your way south of Knoxville.

David