Watauga County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Watauga County - Watauga County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Watauga County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Watauga County located in the map, major cities in Watauga county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Watauga County, North Carolina

About Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Boone. As per 2020 census, the population of Watauga County is 54234 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 313 sq mi (811 km2). Watauga County was established on 1849.

Watauga County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatBoone
Largest City/TownBoone
Established1849
Total Area313 sq mi (811 sq km)
Land Area312 sq mi (808 sq km)
Water Area1 sq mi (3 sq km)
Population54,086 (Census 2020)
Population Density173 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-421, US-321, NC-105, NC-194
Major RiversWatauga River, New River
Neighboring CountiesAvery County, Ashe County, Caldwell County, Wilkes County, Johnson County (TN)
Famous ForAppalachian State University, Blue Ridge Mountains, skiing
Top AttractionsGrandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga County is located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1849. The county seat is Boone, which is also the largest town. The county lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and as the home of Appalachian State University.

Cities and Towns in Watauga County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Boone (county seat)19,20536.2168°N, 81.6746°W
Blowing Rock (partly in Caldwell County)1,40036.1300°N, 81.6800°W
Seven Devils30036.1500°N, 81.8000°W
Beech Mountain (partly in Avery County)50036.2000°N, 81.8700°W
Valle Crucis (community)36.2000°N, 81.7700°W

Golf Courses in Watauga County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Boone Golf ClubBoone36.2100°N, 81.6800°W
Hound Ears ClubBoone area36.1800°N, 81.7800°W

Roads and Highways in Watauga County, North Carolina

Watauga County is connected by scenic mountain highways serving the Blue Ridge region.

  • US-421 – major route connecting Boone to Wilkesboro and Tennessee
  • US-321 – connects Boone to Hickory and Tennessee
  • NC-105 – runs through Boone and connects to nearby towns
  • NC-194 – scenic route through mountain communities

Neighboring Counties of Watauga County

  • Ashe County (north)
  • Wilkes County (east)
  • Caldwell County (southeast)
  • Avery County (southwest)
  • Johnson County, Tennessee (west)

Top Attractions in Watauga County, North Carolina

The county offers mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and family attractions.

  • Grandfather Mountain – scenic views, hiking, and Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – scenic drives and overlooks
  • Appalachian Ski Mountain – skiing and snowboarding
  • Tweetsie Railroad – Wild West-themed amusement park
  • Downtown Boone – shops, restaurants, and cultural events
  • Moses H. Cone Memorial Park – trails and historic estate

Distance from Watauga County to Nearby Cities

  • Boone to Asheville – 90 mi (145 km)
  • Boone to Charlotte – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Boone to Winston-Salem – 85 mi (137 km)
  • Boone to Raleigh – 180 mi (290 km)
  • Boone to Johnson City, TN – 50 mi (80 km)

FAQs about Watauga County

Where is Watauga County located?

Watauga County is located in northwestern North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the population of Watauga County?

The population of Watauga County is 54,086 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Watauga County known for?

Watauga County is known for Appalachian State University, mountain scenery, and skiing.

What are the major highways in Watauga County?

Major highways include US-421, US-321, NC-105, and NC-194.

Are there golf courses in Watauga County?

Yes, Watauga County has golf courses including Boone Golf Club and Hound Ears Club.