NOW OPEN: Sink Mountain Boat Launch in Johnson County

🚤 Just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend!

What started as a feasibility study back in 1994 is now a reality!

Despite delays caused by

the pandemic and even Hurricane Helene, the finished project has exceeded expectations, and today’s first launch was proof!

💰 This $4.2 million project was a true collaboration between the Tennessee Forest Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Tennessee Valley Authority — all accomplished without the use of local taxpayer funds.

It’s now Johnson County’s second public boat ramp!

🕰 Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the Sink Mountain Boat Launch offers:

• 16 trailer/truck parking spaces

• 8 additional vehicle spaces

• Courtesy dock

• Restroom facilities

• Ample lighting

• Smooth paved access

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cherokee National Forest, Sink Mountain continues to showcase the rich, rural Appalachian heritage of Johnson County. The new launch provides breathtaking access to Watauga Lake for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers alike.

DIRECTIONS TO: Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road, Butler, TN

🚗 Directions from Mountain City, TN to Sink Mountain Boat Ramp

1️⃣ Start in downtown Mountain City.Find your way to US-421 South (South Shady Street).

2️⃣ Head south on US-421 for about 3.8 miles.

3️⃣ Turn right onto TN-167 (Roan Creek Road).You’ll see signs for Watauga Lake / Sink Mountain.

4️⃣ Stay on TN-167 for approximately 7.5 miles.Enjoy the beautiful drive along Roan Creek Valley. You’ll pass through the Doeville area.

5️⃣ Watch for Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road on your left.It will be well-marked with signage for the Sink Mountain Recreation Area (it’s part of the Cherokee National Forest).

6️⃣ Turn left and follow Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road for about 1 mile to the parking area at the lake.

🚗 Directions from Boone, NC to Sink Mountain Boat Ramp, TN

1️⃣ Start in downtown Boone.Get on US-321 N / US-421 N (heading toward Mountain City, TN).

2️⃣ Stay on US-321 N / US-421 N for about 24 miles.You’ll cross into Tennessee and arrive in Mountain City.

3️⃣ Once you reach Mountain City, stay on US-421 South through town for about 3.8 miles.(You’ll basically just continue straight through Mountain City.)

4️⃣ Turn right onto TN-167 (Roan Creek Road).

5️⃣ Drive on TN-167 for approximately 7.5 miles.You’ll pass through the Doeville community.

6️⃣ Look for Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road on your left.There will be signs for the boat ramp and Cherokee National Forest.

7️⃣ Turn left onto Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road and follow it for about 1 mile to the parking area right by the lake.

🚗 Directions from Shady Valley, TN to Sink Mountain Boat Ramp

1️⃣ Start in Shady Valley.Head south on TN-133 toward US-421.

2️⃣ Turn right onto US-421 South (toward Mountain City).

3️⃣ Stay on US-421 South for about 10 miles until you reach Mountain City.

4️⃣ Drive through Mountain City, staying on US-421 South for another 3.8 miles.

5️⃣ Turn right onto TN-167 (Roan Creek Road).

6️⃣ Drive on TN-167 for about 7.5 miles (passing through Doeville).

7️⃣ Turn left onto Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road.

8️⃣ Follow Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road for about 1 mile to reach the parking area at the boat ramp.

🚗 Directions from Abingdon, VA to Sink Mountain Boat Ramp

1️⃣ Start in Abingdon.Take US-58 W toward Damascus, VA.

2️⃣ Stay on US-58 W for about 12 miles until you reach Damascus.

3️⃣ In Damascus, turn left onto TN-91 S (which becomes TN-91 as you cross into Tennessee).

4️⃣ Stay on TN-91 S for about 15 miles until you reach Mountain City, TN.

5️⃣ In Mountain City, turn right onto US-421 South (S Shady Street).

6️⃣ Follow US-421 South for about 3.8 miles.

7️⃣ Turn right onto TN-167 (Roan Creek Road).

8️⃣ Stay on TN-167 for approximately 7.5 miles.You’ll pass through Doeville and follow the signs for the boat ramp.

9️⃣ Turn left onto Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road (there’s clear signage).

🔟 Drive about 1 mile down the paved access road to reach the boat ramp parking area on Watauga Lake.

🚗 Directions from Johnson City, TN to Sink Mountain Boat Ramp

1️⃣ Start in Johnson City.Take I-26 E / US-23 S toward Elizabethton.

2️⃣ Take exit 24 for TN-67 toward Elizabethton.

3️⃣ Follow TN-67 E through Elizabethton and continue east toward Butler.You’ll stay on TN-67 for about 33 miles from Johnson City all the way to Butler.

4️⃣ In Butler, turn right onto TN-167 (Roan Creek Road).

5️⃣ Stay on TN-167 for about 5 miles.You’ll pass through Doeville.

6️⃣ Turn right onto Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road.The boat ramp is clearly marked.

7️⃣ Follow Sink Mountain Boat Ramp Road for about 1 mile to the parking area at Watauga Lake.