After meandering around Dennis Cove last week, we wandered through the Cherokee National Forest to Watauga Lake via the Appalachian Trail.
Now we complete our trek by following the trail to the other side of the lake.
Let’s cross Highway 321 and continue northbound on the trail.
The AT begins climbing and falling among the ridges overlooking this lake, whose name translates to “beautiful waters” in the Cherokee language.
You will pass an overnight shelter used by hikers needing a dry spot to snooze during their journey. Normally, hikers can expect to share these accommodations with friendly companions such as rats, snakes, spiders and other things that go “bump” in the night.
I recommend that every person stay in one of these humble abodes at least once in his or her lifetime. One will quickly appreciate even the most prison-like dorm room.
As we continue past the shelter, we come to Watauga Dam. This 318-foot high pile of compressed rock and earth rises out of the deep gorge carved by the Watauga River.
I always enjoy pausing while crossing the dam to enjoy the spectacular views in either direction. While looking around, you may notice the absence of water below the dam. All the water goes through tunnels cut into the mountain and comes out below the dam. The towers you see in the lake are the entry points to the tunnels.
After resting for a few minutes, we begin our tough climb out of the gorge. After following the access road for a few minutes, the AT turns to the left just before we top the hill.
If you’re totally exhausted at this point, you can cheat and follow the road out. The rest of us are going to climb the mountain and travel a little more than a mile to our stopping point.
The trail gracefully winds and twists to reach the summit. If you are fortunate to arrive during the season when the leaves are off the trees, you will experience some beautiful views from here. If you go soon, the fall colors will take your breath away.
The leaves may also take your breath away if they’re wet and you slip on them, but I’ll just let you enjoy the moment for now.
We then wind through mountain laurel and rhododendron on our descent and soon find ourselves at Iron Mountain Gap, where the Watauga Dam Road crosses the mountain. We will end our hike here.
Hopefully there will be a vehicle waiting for you here, or you can backtrack to until you find a way back to Johnson City before you’re late for class.
This place is usually accessed by motor vehicles. Entering this area via Watauga Dam Road offers exposure to a very unique place.
Just below the dam is Wilbur Lake. This lake, also called Horseshoe Lake or Little Wilbur by locals, is nestled along a bend in the river that creates a “horseshoe” of water. You’ll notice right away that this lake is unique.
Waterfowl of all types are abundant on this reservation. During migrating seasons is a good time to catch a glimpse of a diverse blend of feathered creatures on Wilbur.
Be sure to notice the beaver house as you cross the bridge. These furry little critters can be seen quite frequently working on their dwelling and swimming around the waters. They’re quite timid, so observe from a distance.
While at one of the two picnic areas along Wilbur, you might be brave enough to stick your toes in the water. If you do, you will notice its unusually frigid temperature.
This water comes out of the bottom of Watauga Lake. Sparing you the details, a process called thermal stratification causes the coldest water in Watauga Lake to end up on the bottom and empty into Wilbur. Because the water is so cold, the only fish you will find in this small reservoir are trout.
Continuing up the road, you can either go to the campground or continue up the mountain, through Iron Mountain Gap, and on to the Watauga Lake boat ramp, overlook and visitors’ center.
At the visitor’s center, you can learn about the lake while looking down over its pristine waters, deemed some of the cleanest in America.
If you wish, take the short walk from the parking lot out to the overlook near the dam and mountains.
You will be engulfed by beauty no mater what portion of Watauga Lake you visit. This lake can entertain just about any person. Find what you enjoy and visit often.
Stay tuned! I’ll be looking at some other types of destinations like restaurants and other local attractions soon!
Until next time, I’m going fishing!To Get There: Take Highway 67 from Johnson City through Elizabethton. Turn right onto Highway 19E at the Food City store. At the second traffic light on 19E, turn left. Follow the signs to Watauga and Wilbur Dams. Driving Time: 40 minutes.

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