Does anyone know if the Watauga Dam shelter is open for use?
Does anyone know if the Watauga Dam shelter is open for use?
Short answer no there is still a bear problem
The corridor is closed to any activity but hiking thru, not just the shelter.
Persistent critters, aren't they?
I believe Vandeventer Shelter is the next place you can camp after Watauga Lake.
AT: 695.7 mi
Benton MacKaye Trail '20
Pinhoti Trail '18-19'
@leonidasonthetrail https://www.youtube.com/c/LeonidasontheTrail
Hostel services via Dennis Cove, Hampton Blue Blaze and US321.
Camping is allowed starting at Wilbur Dam Road. Small sites at the wilderness boundary and beginning on the Iron Mtn ridgetop.
''Tennessee Viking'
Mountains to Sea Trail Hiker & Maintainer
Former TEHCC (AT) Maintainer
Bluff charged by a bear .5 south of the dam at a campsite on the lake. This was several years ago prior to the ban. I think the TVA manages the land around the lake. It's obvious they don't give 2 hoots, thus the current solution of banning camping indefinitely.
Stay at the Boots Off Hostel. It's at mile 426, which is only a couple miles from the closed Watauga Lake Shelter. I stayed there this spring and it's a newer hostel and has some really nice features to it.