Question… My section hike along the AT this year will have me finish at Watauga Lake and I wanted to know if it is legal to camp there at the lake while I wait for my shuttle the next morning. In addition, is it safe to leave a car parked there near the AT area for approximately 10 days? I know very little about this area, so any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
20-Year-Plan
Kincora is close so you might check with Bob Peeples about leaving it at his hostel. He does shuttles in to town and dropped me off at the lake…maybe he would reverse it for you!
Filly
http://appalachiantrail.rohland.org/ This shows all the parking options. In Summer I always park near the boat ramp. If you are headed North cross the Road and start around the lake in the direction of the Dam. As soon as you don’t see backyards you can camp. Also the Watauga Lake Shelter is not that far. Kincora is not a bad idea.
Francis
Last year there was camping in the area due to bears - may want to check on it for this year
Lightbulb
Perhaps you looked into it, but Mr. Sutton in Hampton, TN has a hostel. Hampton is a few miles from Watauga. You may find someone in Hampton you can park a car too.
Also, you can road walk around Pond Mountain and pick up the Laurel Forks trail (?) and stay at the shelter there. All depends on how much extra mileage you wanna do after you arrived at the lake.
Hank101