Watauga Lake Hats & T-Shirts
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More WataugaLakeMagazine articles:The Butler MuseumLearn how and why Watauga Lake was formed and how the citizens of "Old Butler" Tennessee were changed forever. . . . |
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A Kayaker's ViewSee Watauga Lake up-close from a Kayak |
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Watauga Lake TriathlonSwim over 1,000 yards in a deep lake, race in your bike over 21 miles through the mountains, THEN... run 5 miles ... |
The Appalachian Trail at Watauga Lake Tennessee
November, 2007All photos and illustrations by Pat Johns ©2007
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"The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply The A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States, extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is more than 2000 miles (3,200 km) long. The path is maintained by thirty trail clubs and multiple partnerships. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, and thus encounters a wide array of wildlife, topography and plant life. Some portions do traverse towns and roads, and even cross rivers." |
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In Eastern Tennessee, the Trail skirts the western edge of Watauga Lake and actually crosses the top of the Watauga Dam, giving hikers the unique view from the Dam and the chance to see the exposed back of the Dam. 
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The Dam is made of rock and earth and, in 1948 was the highest dam of that type in the world. The Watauga Lake Project used over 10 million work hours of labor. During the construction 1 man died, and 48 more suffered injuries. The project relocated over 750 families, primarily in and around "Old Butler" Tennessee, and caused the removal of more than 1200 grave sites. 
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There are several points in the Watauga Lake area to enter the Appalachian Trail for day hikes. The Trail passes through Shook Branch Recreation Area at the western end of the lake. Markers state that it is approximately 5 miles from Shook Branch to the Watauga Dam.
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To hike the Appalachian Trail, over 2,000 miles long, is a considerable achievement, but most enjoy the trail in much shorter spans and even day hikes. The trail is maintained by members of a series of clubs and partnerships through the states in which it passes (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine). 
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The views from the Appalachian Trail around Watauga Lake are exceptional and to walk across the Watauga Dam and learn more of its construction is a unique opportunity even among Appalachian Trail experiences. 
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Links to references in this article and to sites related to the Appalachian Trail and the Watauga Dam:
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