Well folks, last time I got you started up the Appalachian Trail from Dennis Cove. We meandered around this little gem of an area, visiting places like White Rocks Mountain, Coon Den Falls and the majestic Laurel Falls.
I think it bears mentioning again that Laurel Falls lies just off the Appalachian Trail, a long piece of trodden soil stretching from Georgia to Maine. So, if you put it together, this trail ain’t gonna stop once you hit the falls.
Let me give you a little further background on the AT. It is distinguished from other trails that intersect it by white “blazes.” No, that’s not a bunch of fires stretching up the East Coast, although I usually do have campfire mishaps when hiking portions of the trail.
A blaze is simply a little splotch of paint you’ll find on trees along the trail. These come in handy when you find yourself among several trail systems, as is the case around here. Just find the white blazes and follow them.
So let’s follow the white paint past Laurel Falls. As we go on, we find ourselves climbing Pond Mountain and descending back towards the rushing stream below. Soon you’ll notice the white blazes go back up the mountain and blue blazes continue on ahead. These blue blazes will take you back out to Highway 321 in Hampton, Tenn. That’s the other way to get to the falls.
However, we’re going to stay on the AT to our next destination. After a few muscle spasms, shin splints and the occasional deprivation of oxygen, we find ourselves crossing good ole Highway 321 and before us is a beautiful sight: lots of water. Yes, we’ve made it to Watauga Lake. Granted, there’s a highway right here, so we took a slightly more difficult route.
Watauga Lake was created in 1948 and has been attracting folks ever since then. It’s easy to see why. There are plenty of things to keep you busy around this puddle.
I’ll go ahead and get my bias out of the way. Yes, there’s some fantastic fishing to be found here. Most kinds of freshwater fish can be found in Watauga.
I, personally, was brought nearly to tears after losing one of the largest lake trout I have ever hooked while on my girlfriend’s father’s boat on Watauga. I am still traumatized to this day over that moment.
However, this lake offers no heartache to most of its visitors.
The Cherokee National Forest has several wonderful places you can visit here. You’ll notice several picnic areas right along the water.
There’s also Carden’s Bluff campground. This nifty place has space for small RVs or tents. It’s right along the water, and also has “facilities” located near all the sites. It’s a great place to spend the night and get away from the hustle and bustle of Johnson City. Didn’t know we had any hustle and bustle, did you? Get away from it and you will know.
I recommend you drive along the lake up to the Butler Bridge located on Highway 67 just past the Highway 321 junction. You’ll know it when you see it. Turn around after crossing the bridge, and stop to get out and look at this beautiful structure.
Take note of all the little spots along the way up and pick one (or more) to stop at on your way back. The forest service charges a small fee per vehicle for most spots, but it’s well worth it.
We’ll stop here and let you enjoy the lake for a while. Be sure to take a gander at the sailboats out on the water. There are sailboat races held up here regularly while the water is high.
Should you see a small sailboat with a seasick, screaming fool-of-a-passenger hanging over the edge, give a yell to the skipper, my friend Sam. His passenger, not mentioning any names, will be thrilled if you e-mail him and tell him about your experiences at the lake.
And please do e-mail me. Let me know what you like or dislike about my columns. I would like to hear your interests and what suggestions you may have.
I’m also happy to answer any question about my destinations. I have already heard from a few of you, so please drop me a line.
As we go, let me apologize and do a little housekeeping. Any of you anal-retentive outdoors-women/men, should there be any besides yours truly, may have noticed a small error with my last column. The Cherokee National Forest was incorrectly referred to as the Tennessee National Forest. My humblest apologies for the mistake. So, stop staring at that map. Now you know.
Until next time, I’m going fishing!Directions to Watauga Lake: Take Highway 67 from Johnson City through Elizabethton. Turn right onto Highway 19E at the Food City store. Follow 19E to Hampton. Turn left onto Highway 321 at the Shell Station. Follow Highway 321 until you see the lake on your left. Enjoy!

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