Upper Watauga Gorge Park in Sugar Grove serves as a primary put-in for kayakers and canoeists on Section 4 of the Watauga River, located at the intersection of U. S. 321 and Watauga River Road about 15 minutes from Boone.

The facility includes parking, a boat ramp, canoe bank access, and a small covered pavilion, making it suitable for fishing, kayaking, tubing, and family water activities.

Note that dangerous Class V rapids begin downstream at Snake Pit, so only experienced paddlers should continue past this point.