Watauga lake area section

imported
#1 
									Taking a hike in May from Hampton, Tenn (Rt.67) to Damascus. This will cover around the Watauga Lake section about 43mi total. Taking some newbies with us and don't want to disappoint. After hiking the Mt. Rogers section last yr I find it hard to top the scenery. Is this a nice hike? What is the difficulty of this hike? Anything to take notice to on the trail. Any help appreciated.

									_Boz_
#2 
									From what I remember, this was a relatively mild section.  A lot more so than normal.  I did my highest mile days on the entire southern half in TN, between US19 and Abingdon Shelter (10miles out of Damascus).  The Watauga Dam itself was pretty cool, but I honestly don't remember much else about that section other than seeing lots of bears.  I think there were a couple of nice pastures that you hike through in that section too.  Part of the reason I don't remember much about that specific section was because I couldn't wait to get to Damascus though :-)    




									_lakewood_
#3 
									Starting at Watauga Lake is a very nice beginning to a rather stress free hike. The first day will be difficult, but once you reach the ridge it is flat. Of course newbies will not think so. Hiking into Damascus is easy, the last 18 miles or so are all down hill. The views of the lake as you hike are nice, just don't expect Mt. Roger type views.

Roan Mountain to Watauga Lake might be better if you want views. This section has it all. I would guess it is around 45 miles, but you better check. Iam starting to think it is longer than 45 miles, but it is a nice hike.

									_bilko_
#4 
									Back up 8 or 10 miles and start at Dennis Cove road. That way you can go by Laurel Creek Falls. If you want to miss Pond Mountain (which is a beast!) you can take the blue-blaze from the falls and pretty much scoot over to Watauga Lake shelter. Day 2 you will climb up to maybe the longest ridgeline in the southern AT. Very easy 50 mile hike.

									_carlgoose_
#5 
									On my thru hike last year, I reached the Wautauga Lake area on 5/25. After crossing US321 I entered the picnic area and a public beach on the southern end of Lake Wautauga. The trail continued on the left shore of the lake for a short while. After experiencing the beauty and isolation of the Roan Highlands a few days ago, it was strange seeing families sunbathing, swimming, and having picnics by the lake. It was also disconcerting seeing all the trash and general neglect in this area of the trail, something you rarely see in areas not frequented by the general public. I tried to hike through this section quickly and once I had put a few miles behind me I felt much better.


									_Easy Strider_
#6 
									Folks appreciate all your responses, they have shed a lot of insight on this section. By the sounds of it i will look at the data book and see about starting around Erwin, Tn or US26 around the Hogback Ridge Shelter. Maybe we will

add a few more miles or shorten it before Damascus. Can’t beat the feeling of ending up in Damascus though.

									_Boz_