Mallard Cove Road

Mallard Cove Marina offers a convenient boat launch on Watauga Lake near Butler, Tennessee, located just off Highway 321 on the north side of the Highway 67-321 junction, before reaching the Butler Bridge. The facility provides a boat ramp along with additional amenities including covered and uncovered boat slips, marine gas, and a snack bar. For questions or more information, contact Mallard Cove Marina at 423-768-3440 or 423-957-6589.

This access point serves as a good starting location for exploring Watauga Lake, a scenic mountain reservoir popular with kayakers and recreational boaters. The nearby Dennis Cove Campground (approximately 5 miles away via Dennis Cove Road) offers 15 campsites for those planning a multi-day outing, though be aware that Dennis Cove Road is steep with hairpin turns and requires slow, careful driving. Additional marinas and access points are available at other locations around the lake if you need alternatives.

Overview
Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for...

Overview
Dennis Cove Campground is a secluded campground along Laurel Fork Creek at an elevation of 2,650 feet in Carter County. This remote developed campground is popular with those seeking a rustic experience. The altitude, creek side location and lush forest surroundings make Dennis Cove particularly desirable during hot summer months. With 15 campsites, Dennis Cove is a great option for family camping.  
Recreation
Along with camping, Laurel Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout below the campground. Above the campground, the creek and its tributaries are managed as wild trout streams for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Laurel Fork Trail (#39) follows the creek upstream for 8.0 miles with twenty-six stream crossings. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed one mile west of the campground along Dennis Cove Rd, or at the top of the nearby Coon Den Falls Trail (#37). 
Facilities
There are 15 single campsites, including two double sites within Dennis Cove Campground. The campground has flush toilets. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.
Natural Features
Dennis Cove Campground is located along the beautiful Laurel Fork Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.
Nearby Attractions
The trailhead for Coon Den Falls Trail (#37) is next to Dennis Cove Campground, and the trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (#1) is approximately one mile west of the campground on Dennis Cove Rd. Watauga Lake is approximately 25 minutes away.  

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