Editing Dennis Cove Rd to Wilbur Dam Rd

{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:Watauga Lake.jpg
|Trail System=Appalachian Trail
|City=Roan Mountain
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Trail Marking=White
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Fishing
|Trail Features=Vistas, Rivers, Mountains
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=11.5 hrs
|Trail Distance=12.8 mi
|Round Trip Distance=25.6 mi
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=3,733 ft
|Low Point=1,950 ft
|Elevation Gain=3,073 ft
|Elevation Loss=3,332 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.26415, -82.12326
|Trailhead location=36.26415, -82.12326
}}
<div class="metadata plainlinks" style="border: 2px solid #C9827E; width: 50%; padding-left: 5px; margin-left:5%; margin-right:5%; background-color:#FFD1C1" >
'''Special Notice'''
<br />The National Forest Service lands are closed to most recreation between US321 (NB Mile 427) and Wilbur Dam Road (NB Mile 431.4).  Bears are active in this area.  Individuals are only permitted to hike through this area.  Please continue hiking through this area without stopping.  Watauga Lake Shelter is closed.  No preparation or consumption of food or overnight stays allowed.  This closure is effective for an unknown period.

A temporary campsite (no water) has been set up at coordinates N36.29847, W82.12701 (NB Mile 426.5) just outside the Pond Mountain Wilderness. Also nearby is Boots Off Hostel along Bear Branch Road on the south side of the closed section. Vandeventer Shelter is open to the north of the restricted section.
</div>
<br />
{{Trail Map}}

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== Trail Overview ==
Note! The bridges near 321 flood at 1,961' and 1,963'. You can review TVA's current measurement and prediction at [https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/watauga their website]. The alternate plan is to take Oliver Rd to the west to the point it nears the AT again.

== How to get there ==

== Route Description ==

(Trail South > North)

=== Dennis Cove === 

Road crossing at Dennis Cove and first of two access points to Hampton, TN. Dennis Cove has tent sites within walking distance of the Trail. It is the southern entrance to the Pond Mountain Wilderness and Laurel Fork Gorge.

=== Koonford Bridge === 

One of the TEHCC's most notable accomplishments, the Koonford Bridge spans Laurel Fork Creek just below a high rock wall with a number of cascades further downstream. It has received national attention and awards for its primitive construction techniques in compliance with wilderness area restrictions.

=== High Water Bypass Trail === 

The High Water Bypass blue blaze trail is a .5 mile continuation of an old railroad grade from the AT before it descends into the Laurel Fork Gorge to the Laurel Fork Shelter. This route offers a bypass of the AT in the gorge when the area becomes flooded. It also offers a more gradual grade from the south and a small loop.

=== Laurel Fork Falls === 

One of the most dramatic falls in the entire Appalachian mountain range, the falls a great place for fly fishing and picnicking. Swimming is not allowed because of the dangerous undertow in the pool.

=== Laurel Fork Shelter === 

[[Shelter:Laurel Fork|Laurel Fork Shelter]] (2450') is a stone shelter built in 1966 by the TEHCC. It is located 300' above the AT on the blue blazed bypass trail after leaving Laurel Fork Gorge.

=== Hampton Blue Blaze Trail === 

The Hampton blue blaze trail, a former AT route, is a mile long stretch of trail connecting the townships of Hampton & Braemar to the AT following an old railroad grade along Laurel Fork Creek. The trail also provides a high water route if portions of the creek side are flooded. Some of the notable features are the rocky cliffs along the creek. This route is often used by day hikers to access Laurel Fork Falls.

=== Pond Flats === 

Pond Flats (3500') is situated near the peak of Pond MOuntain in the Pond Mountain Wilderness. It hosts a rare, high elevation, naturally forming pond. It is only seen during wet seasons. There is a primitive campsite and water source here as well.

=== US321 - Hampton, TN and Butler, TN === 

This is the second and primary access point to Hampton, TN. The US321 crossing at Watauga Lake is at the Shook Branch Recreation Area. Hikers should be cautious when crossing this busy highway. There is a small parking area at the Cherokee National Forest sign.

=== Watauga Lake Shelter === 

[[Shelter:Watauga Lake|Watauga Lake Shelter]] (2091') is a wooden shelter built by the United States Forest Service in 1980. it is located uphill from the AT on a blue blaze.

=== Watauga Dam === 

Watauga Dam is a 320' earthen dam built by the TVA. It holds back the Watauga River to form Watauga Lake. Access across the dam is for hiking purposes only. The Trail follows a portion of an access road that is closed to the public.

=== Wilbur Dam Road ===

This is the last access point to the Trail before the long ridge walk along Iron Mountain. It can be reached from Stoney Creek via TN91 or from Elizabethton via Siam. The road is gated during the winter approximately 2 miles from the Trail.

== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}

{{Template:AT_Segments}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Temporary Campsite
|Marker Description=Created due to Watauga Lake Shelter closure due to bears. NO WATER.
|Marker Location=36.29847, -82.12701
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Parking
|Marker Description=Trail Access at 321 crossing
|Marker Location=36.302008142, -82.1280004449
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Parking
|Marker Description=Trail Access at Wilbur Dam Road
|Marker Location=36.3289097583, -82.1116380394
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Laurel Falls (55 ft)
|Marker Location=36.2727800000, -82.135000000
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Shelter
|Marker Title=Laurel Fork Shelter
|Marker Location=36.2786698410, -82.136234017
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Picnic spot
|Marker Title=Shook Branch Picnic Area
|Marker Location=36.3033358788, -82.125812896
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Watauga Dam
|Marker Location=36.3228420469, -82.122489819
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Shelter
|Marker Title=Watauga Lake Shelter
|Marker Description=CLOSED DUE TO PERSISTENT BEAR ACTIVITY
|Marker Location=36.3139897500, -82.129389088
}}