Watauga Lake Shelter

[Former Admin]

Info, questions, comments, experiences (good or bad) regarding - Watauga Lake Shelter

Past/Present hikers - what can future hikers expect here? Have any good stories or memories from here?

Future hikers - any questions?

[chris]

Although there is no privy here, there is a "porta privy". That is, a fine plastic lawn chair with a hole cut out of the seat. I took it for three (yes, 3) rides when I passed through in May.

[Panama Red]

If my memory serves me correctly there is a privy close by on the road by a picnic area when i last passed through there it was locked but i believe i was no further than .25 miles south on the trail you cant miss it if im correct

[orangebug]

I saw no privy at Watauga Lake Shelter last month. There is a Porta-John on the north end of the Watauga Lake Dam. IIRC, that was the only privy in Tennessee of any sort. I heard from Bob Peoples that there is work toward a privy at Roan High Bluff Shelter.

[rocket04]

Well, the nice thing is that you'd be near Watauga Lake, and more specifically the swinging ropes which are a ton of fun. Highly recommended to swing away for at least an hour!

[Tractor]

We were there, early August. We passed and went up to Vandeventer (spelling?) to get away from the nearby crowds. Just about can't miss it though. It's just away from lake side. There was a ton of trash either side of the shelter when we went through. Lot's of deck chairs, blankets, plastic bits, styrofoam coolers, bottles, etc..... Tire tracks came pretty close to the shelter but they were not on any road or "approved path". Did see one of the rope swings but it was in heavy use when I hiked by. Other spots, near the lake, were clean and well kept. The shelter area, itself, was not as bad as some of the surrounding "camp" spots.

[kentucky]

Well my experience is to go right pass it seeing how every time I have been thrue there I miss it anyway I didnt like the location either believe its very close to the road!kentucky,but maybe Im lost at that retrospect

[Rift Zone]

Is that rope swing slightly south ot the shelter still there? how is the water level in recent history.


That spot was really cool.


11 hours 50 minutes. Where? From the shelter? After I have my fill of the rope swing.... Your record is in trouble Lone Wolf!

[Lone Wolf]

I passed by 3 rope swings. All 3 were cut/broke half way up to the limb they were tied on. The lake is way up right now.
Beat the record Rift!

[Rift Zone]

Aw man. Back and forward flips off a rope swing is one of life's greastest pleasures.

From the shelter... No? C'mon man, your record is from where to where?

[Lone Wolf]

Shelter to the Gazebo in the town park. Full pack. No slack.

[Tennessee Viking]

Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce lists a huge boat show from the dam to Shook Branch. So you will definitely hear people putter their boats along lakeside trail. And then fireworks over around the boat marinas further up the lake on the 3rd and 4th. Then Elizabethton should have their own fireworks at some point, if you can find a vista view from ridgetop.

Talk to Bob when you get to Kincora he might know something for sure.

[Jason of the Woods]

A few of my friends have told me that the police hide in the woods there. I didn't get to hang with them though.;(

[Lone Wolf]

A few of my friends have told me that the police hide in the woods there. I didn't get to hang with them though.;(

that sort of paranoia comes with smokin' too much medicine kid

[smokymtnsteve]

that sort of paranoia comes with smokin' too much medicine kid

all shelters suck

[Lone Wolf]

all shelters suck

and you're brain dead. smoke some more

[neo]

all shelters suck

thats why i carry my hammock and tarp,i dont like shelters eitherneo

[smokymtnsteve]

thats why i carry my hammock and tarp,i dont like shelters eitherneo

yea and LW always says ALL SHELTERS SUCK!

he must be brain dead too.

prooly all that OLE DEMON ALKYHOL!

good to see you NEO!

[Jason of the Woods]

No he gave like ten of them $300 tickets. I'm just saying beware!

that sort of paranoia comes with smokin' too much medicine kid

[rafe]

Yo, wolf, did your speed record include a stop for greazy burgers at McQueens?