June 2018 – The lake level has receded, thus the Appalachian Trail has returned to its normal path.
May 2018 – Due to recent heavy rains, TVA has temporarily raised the Watauga Lake level, so that a couple of bridges on the Appalachian Trail are now under water. The trail is temporarily rerouted on US 321 and Oliver Hollow Road. Signs are posted and route is blue blazed. If heading trail north on Shook Branch Road, cross US 321 and walk left or west along US 321 for about a quarter mile and then go right along Oliver Hollow Rd. Follow the road for a third of a mile and take the short woods path to the right to the A.T.
This situation previously occurred in April 2017.
For future reference, Watauga Lake levels above the 1961 foot level trigger the need to put up the re-route signs.