Iron Mountain Sunset

This sunset view is from the Appalachian Trail near Iron Mountain Gap on the TN/NC border. The tallest peak in the photo above is known as Pinnacle Mountain (3540 ft.). An effort is currently underway to restore the fire tower which sits atop Pinnacle Mountain. Click here for an interesting article about this effort. Heading north on the AT from Iron Mountain Gap, where TN Route 107 intersects the state border and becomes NC Route 226 (Mitchell County), you are rewarded with impressive views (in Winter) of Roan Mountain to the east (see photo below) and Unaka Mountain to the west.

Update: For a detailed discussion of this section of the AT, click here.

Directions: Take TN Route 107 (Limestone Cove Road) ten miles east from Unicoi, TN, or NC Route 226, four miles from Buladean, NC to the state line, where there is a wide gravel pull off area. After parking, look toward the TN side and across the road and you'll see where the AT heads north toward Hughes Gap. The spot were the above sunset photo was taken is a small grassy area 0.5 miles in. Another, slightly larger and more open grassy area is 0.8 miles from the Gap -- that particular spot offers an impressive view of Unaka Mountain. 1.1 miles from the Gap is an old, abandoned apple orchard -- there's not much left to see there now, as most of the trees have died out, although there is an indication that some new trees have recently been planted.

Rocky Branch and Limestone Cove Trail

Not to be confused with Rocky Fork, the mammoth tract of land in Unicoi County which as been preserved following a development controversy, Rocky Branch is a small stream in the Limestone Cove area of Unicoi County, TN. While the angle of this photo makes this look like a sizable waterfall, it's probably only two or three feet high! The trail starts from just beyond the old Limestone Cove campground and runs 3.9 miles to Stamping Ground Ridge high atop Unaka Mountain. The first mile or so is a fairly easy stroll, from then on, it's very steep! Expect a workout. Eventually you'll intersect with the trail coming down from Stamping Ground Ridge, turn right onto this trail and you'll soon arrive at your destination.  The better, easier way (and really the only sane way) to get to Stamping Ground Ridge is from the top of the mountain via Unaka Mountain Road (click here for directions).

Click here for photos of the views from Stamping Ground Ridge.

Directions to Rocky Branch and the Limestone Cove Trail: (Map here) From I-26 take the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn east towards town. At the stop sign, turn right onto Unicoi Road (which is also known locally as the Erwin Highway) and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive for approximately 3.5 miles, you'll see the Limestone Cove picnic area on your left, Rocky Branch Road is on the right. Turn right here and follow Rocky Branch Road for approximately 1/3 mile till you reach a gate and a gravel parking area on your left. Park your vehicle and then continue following the forest service road on foot for approx. 1/2 mile, just before the road makes a sharp turn to the left and crosses Rocky Branch, look for a trailhead marker on your right -- this is where your adventure really begins! :)

an old acquaintance

I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.
--Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) author and philosopher

This photo is of an old, snow-covered hemlock tree in Rock Creek Park outside of Erwin, TN which is threatened with infestation of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. If you haven't heard of this tiny critter or how all Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks in the eastern US from Georgia to Maine are threatened, click here and here. I am now much more aware of the beautiful hemlocks I come across while trekking across our region and can't imagine how completely devastated our forests would be if they were to be lost.

This shot might not seem very technically difficult, but it took a lot of technology to produce! It was taken with the camera handheld at 150mm for 1/2 sec. just before sunset (dark conditions) with a VR (vibration reduction) lens (called IS or Image Stabilization in Canon-speak). VR is essential for people with shaky hands like me - it has saved hundreds of shots that I would have missed otherwise. I'm always amazed when it clicks on and I can see the image stabilize within the viewfinder. Woo Hoo VR!

Photo info: Nikon D80, f/5.6 150mm, 1/2 sec., ISO 200.

Watauga Lake

Not long ago, I posted a photo of Watauga Lake taken from the overlook near the dam (see here). Today's photo was taken while standing on Watauga Dam itself. It's actually quite remote when compared to other easily accessible TVA dams in our area such as Wilbur, South Holston, Boone, Patrick Henry and Douglas. There are three ways to get to Watauga Dam. The first, and most direct, is to walk the gated access road (Lookout Road) which leads directly to the dam (click here for map). It's a steep climb and descent, and not very imaginative, but it definitely will get you there quickly (0.6 miles). The second route is to take the Appalachian Trail from Watauga Dam Road. This route is thoroughly described in Doris Gove's book, Hikes in the Southern Appalachians, excerpt here. This short portion of the AT is beautiful, especially this time of year when great views can be had of the lake through the trees as you walk the ridge (See panoramic photo below). Eventually, after 0.8 miles the AT meets up with Lookout Road (from Option 1) and you'll turn right following that down to the dam for 0.4 miles. The third option, and the longest at approx. three miles, would have you come in from the other side, picking up the AT from the Hampton, TN side of the lake at Shook Branch Recreation Area (trail described here). I think this is the most scenic option, especially since significant portions of the AT along this stretch has been relocated to better follow the contours of the lake.

If coming in from the Elizabethton side... my advice is to park in the small parking area where the AT crosses Watauga Dam Road, and take the AT to the dam, and then take the access road (Lookout Road) back to Watauga Dam Road and then walk the short distance (1/4 mile) back to the AT parking area to the left.

In the photo above you can see the Watauga Overlook just left of center, as well as just how low the water level is right now. On the far side of the lake, you can see snow in the shaded areas on the shore. To the right of center is the water intake tower for the dam. Click photo to enlarge.

Appalachian Trail Panoramic

This photo is my first attempt at 'stitching' a series of six photos together to make a 180+ degree panoramic. This was taken at the high point of the ridge overlooking Watauga Lake from the AT. If you look closely you'll see a couple of the "seams" -- to create a seamless panoramic takes a tripod (and a scene with even light would help!). I take zero credit for putting this together. The software that comes with Canon camera (called 'PhotoStitch') did all of this in less time than it took to open the photos. It's truly amazing software that I got it with my tiny Canon SD1000. Glad it also works with photos from my Nikon D80! This is obviously one photo you need to click to enlarge!

Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary

The great lesson is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's backyard.
--Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) American psychologist, known for his Hierarchy of Human Needs.

I was surprised to see the crocus pushing through the snow in my yard, a harbinger of spring, a symbol of hope, and sign of the sacred.

Pine Ridge Falls

I was hoping that with our recent rains that I'd find Pine Ridge Falls with more water flowing over it than this. If you click the thumbnail to the right, you'll see a photo from last March of this impressive 25' waterfall at high flow (which makes you realize just how dry things have been). On the positive side, with the water down, the one creek crossing makes for an easy walk to get there. And the road through Clark's Creek is glorious with a light layer of snow. This scenic area, home also to Sill Branch Falls, is centrally located to Greeneville, Jonesborough, Johnson City, and Erwin on Clark's Creek Road, off of Route 107. If you've lived in this area all your life and never been down Clark's Creek, put it on your list of things to do. The road through Clark's Creek is gravel, but in pretty good shape -- and while it's narrow, it's not steep. At the end of the road is a wide cul-de-sac which makes for an easy turn around. Click here to see my previous post on Pine Ridge Falls.

Directions: (From Johnson City, TN) Take I-26 to the Erwin/Jonesborough exit #37. At the end of the ramp, turn right and take State Route 81/107 west for 6.5 miles, stay on Rt. 107 by turning left and continue for 5 more miles. Turn left on Clark's Creek Road and drive 3.3 miles (the last 1.9 will be gravel) into the Cherokee National Forest to a parking area on the left (It's 0.2 miles past the parking area for Sill Branch Falls). A small brown sign will indicate the trailhead for "Longarm Branch Trail". After a short hike (1/2 mile?), you'll reach the creek crossing; once across, the trail will fork -- stick to the left, the falls are just a short distance further. More maps here.

reflection

Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.
--Albert Einstein (1889-1955) physicist

tenacity

What I like about this little scene from Rock Creek outside of Erwin, TN is the tenacious, little leaf hanging on in spite of the current.

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
--Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945)

imagination

The man who has no imagination has no wings.
--Muhammad Ali (1942-) American Boxer

The Mountaintop

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.--Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) Minister and Civil-Rights Leader

Above: Grandfather Mountain, NC (click photo to enlarge)

Dr. King's Last Speech, April 3, 1968

A Milestone and a New Gallery

I reached a milestone this month: one year of Appalachian Treks! When I started out, I set a goal of posting a photo each day of this beautiful region -- knowing that this would transform my photography and the way I look at the world (and hopefully inspire folks to get out and explore our corner of Appalachia!). For the last few weeks, I've been combing through thousands of images in an effort to organize and update my gallery: http://www.markwpeacock.com/. I hope you'll check it out and let me know what you think. The new gallery also allows visitors to order prints! Thanks again for joining me on all my Appalachian Treks this past year -- Can't wait to see where the trail will lead us this year!

Above: Snowy Farm, Flag Pond, TN [click photo to enlarge]

Look again...

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
--Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German born American Physicist

Even in the midst of winter, if you look closely, you'll find common things infused with amazing detail. Entering the world of macro photography will (or at least should) completely change the the way you see things. It's like a world within a world. My friend Lee and I (check out her terrific macro work at From these Hills) call it "macro world". You look up and realize you just spent thirty minutes inside of a turk's cap lily or staring eye to eye with a grasshopper. I am constantly amazed at how much has previously gone unnoticed -- but thankful for all of the intricacy of creation. Click here to read my advice on macro photography.

To get the white background above and to diffuse the light I used a lightbox (a.k.a. whitebox). You can buy these things or make one yourself (see here and here for do-it-yourself instructions). Of course, even these simple instructions were too sophisticated for me -- instead, I taped copy paper to the inside of a cardboard box. Git-R-Done! One of these days I'll make a better lightbox, but for now this one works for my macro photography and occasional eBay items. Click here to see my other lightbox examples.

Remembering Steven Hunter (1984-2006)

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. 

For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way. If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone. 

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." the good thief said from his cross (Luke 23:42). There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture, no prayer we can pray so well.
 --Frederick Buechner (American Author, 1926-2022) 

 We remember. And we carry Steven with us. His wide smile, his quick wit, his sweet and gentle spirit, his exuberance for life and love of nature, his faith and compassion -- all are remembered, and when remembered, he lives on in us. For those who knew him, Steven was unforgettable - and his mark upon us, indelible. Click here and here to watch video tributes. Here is my post from last year. 

[The photo of Steven was taken by his friend Autumn Pruitt on Roan Mountain, October 2nd, 2005].

Let it snow...

Out of the bosom of the Air,
Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,
Over the woodlands brown and bare,
Over the harvest-fields forsaken,
Silent, and soft, and slow
Descends the snow.
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) poet

Above: A farm in Flag Pond, TN

finding beauty in unexpected places

As one grows older one should grow more expert
at finding beauty in unexpected places,
in deserts and even in towns,
in ordinary human faces
and among wild weeds.
--C.C.Vyvyan

It's hard to find color in the winter. So for this shot, I cheated -- but just a little. I didn't use Photoshop to add the color later and I didn't pick the flower and shoot it at home -- instead, I found it while hiking, and shot it there in the field with a yellow folder blurred in the background. Besides sharpening, all I did in Photoshop was to add some slight vignetting to darken the corners to draw the eye in. I don't know the name of this dried winter wildflower, maybe someone can help us with the identification. :)

Winter Discovery

In the midst of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
--Albert Camus (1913-1960) French author & philosopher

Shades of Grey

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (built in 1862), Valle Crucis, NC.

I've been experimenting with black and white a lot so far this new year. Maybe its because it's January and there's not a lot of color to be found. Or maybe it's because in the winter months you see the "bone structure" of the land (as Andrew Wyeth said) and black and white photos tend to emphasize the scene's texture, lines, shadows and form. With color striped away, we look more deeply. In fact, it's common for people to say that there's so much more detail in black and white photos. It's not that there's any more detail than in a color print -- it's just that we see so much more when looking at a black and white shot. So which photos look best in black and white? Look for scenes with contrast -- an interplay between light and shadow -- for instance, scenes with deep blue skies and bright white clouds. Also look for interesting textures, patterns and shapes. With Photoshop (and other programs, even free programs like Picasa), you can apply color and infrared filters when converting them to black and white to exaggerate the contrast and make your black and white photos "pop." Click here to see some famous black and white images from Ansel Adams.

No crystal stair

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
--Langston Hughes, (1902-1967) "Mother to Son"

Photo: Trail to Cascade Falls.

It's funny what comes to mind when I'm trying to figure out which quote to put with a photo. For this one, Carol Hughes came to mind. I had the privilege of having Mrs. Hughes for three years of high school English at Morris High School in Morris, Illinois. Outside of class, we secretly (and affectionately) referred to her as Crazy Carol, but it wasn't meant as an insult -- we all loved her zaniness and zeal. She had very high expectations for us, but she never forgot to make class fun. I can still hear her voice as she read the above poem sounding like an elderly, black woman -- whose life had been no crystal stair. Now that I'm teaching, I try to follow Mrs. Hughes' example of caring and craziness and remember that my lessons won't make an impact unless I capture their imaginations and their hearts.

Cascade Falls

This beautiful waterfall, known simply as Cascade Falls or The Cascades, is located about 15 miles east of Boone, NC at mile #272 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a fairly easy 1.2 mile hike, although there are lots of steps, to two different overlooks. I wasn't able to find the exact height of the falls. What you see above is the top of the main waterfall, but from here, the water cascades down an enormous slide (click  photo below to enlarge the view looking down the cascades). Signs warn to stick to the main trail and behind the stone walls at the overlooks. Click here for more information and beautiful photos.

Living today

In the entire history of the universe, let alone in your own history, there has never been another day just like today, and there will never be another just like it again. Today is the point to which all your yesterdays have been leading since the hour of your birth. It is the point from which all your tomorrows will proceed until the hour of your death. If you were aware of how precious today is, you could hardly live through it. Unless you are aware of how precious it is, you can hardly be said to be living at all.
-- Frederick Buechner (1926- ) minister and author

Above: Mill Creek, Carter County, TN

Sinking Creek Baptist Church

Last week I posted a photo of the first Methodist church established in Tennessee. Not wanting to be accused of playing favorites, here is the first church of any denomination in Tennessee, Sinking Creek Baptist Church. Located between present-day Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN, the church was organized in 1772, with the log structure you see above being built in 1783. Services are still occasionally held in this very old sanctuary on occasion in the summer months.

Directions: Click here for map.

Mother and daughter

A mother's treasure is her daughter.
--Catherine Pulsifer

Change, Presidential Primaries, and Rock Creek Park

Change. Every politician is claiming to be this. Promising to bring this. They all stand in front of signs proclaiming this. America, the pollsters say, are clamoring for this. And they all act like this wasn't the argument Kerry brought in 2004, or Bush in 2000, or Dole in 1996, or Clinton in 1992... And while there are lots of things in the world I'd like to see changed, I don't necessarily think we should always look to politicians or Washington to bring it. I find Gandhi's message to be much more compelling...

Be the change you want to see in the world.--Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian Philosopher
And if it's immediate change you want - look outside. :) Here's a shot from five short days ago. But now we're flirting with 70 degree temps and setting records for winter warmth. You know it's cold in the winter shot above when you see the rhododenron leaves completely curled up. I know this may be an unpopular stance: But I vote for a return to winter.

Directions to Rock Creek Park: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east towards town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) -- continue on for 3.1 miles, turn left at entrance to Rock Creek Park.

Sunsets 101

Here's some advice for capturing beautiful sunsets:
1. Places everyone! Finding a good sunset place isn’t easy. And just because you found a beautiful place to capture summer sunsets, it might not work well in the winter months.
2. Timing makes perfect. Get in place early to set up, to take some practice shots and make last minute adjustments. Sunsets unfold quickly, so you need to be ready.
3. We all need support. Use a tripod. That’s the key to getting clear sunset shots. Having said this, some cameras might produce acceptable sunset photos without a tripod. Canons for instance (as a Nikonian, I hate to admit this) handle high ISOs better with less grainy noise. I’ve taken some handheld sunset photos that I’m pleased with, but generally, it’s still a good idea to get a sturdy tripod. If you are using a lens with vibration reduction (or image stabilization), be sure to turn it off when using a tripod. Another help is to use a remote shutter release - this will help reduce vibrations.
4. Go against the grain. Use low ISOs. Doing this is crucial for avoiding the graininess that is so often see with sunset photos. Now, if you don’t have a tripod…you may have to use a high ISO (800-1600 -- or auto ISO on Nikons), program mode, and spot meter of a bright part of the sky. All of these will help bring your shutter speed to a point where handholding is possible.
5. Patience, patience. Don’t leave too early. Sometimes the most dramatic colors are seen after the sun has set and all the other photographers have packed up and left. The shot above was taken thirty minutes after sunset.
6. Color your world. Experiment with different white balance settings. The warm ones (shade, cloudy) will bring out the reds and oranges, the cool settings (tungsten, florescent) will bring out the cooler tones (blues and purples). Think white balance doesn't matter? The photo to the right was taken one minute after the photo above. Why the difference?...the top photo used the white balance setting of "shady,", the one to the right, "tungsten." (notice how the light from the tungsten or filament spot lights now are white instead of yellow).
7. Lights, Camera…METER! The light meter setting might seem like a minor thing, but once you master how and when to use this important setting, you will much more successful in capturing what your see. Think about how critical it is that our pupils open and close depending on how much light is available. Remember that eye test that dilates your eyes and how you forgot your sunglasses and had to wear the hideous plastic 3D-movie glasses home? Way too much light was being let in. The light meter reads how much light is out there so the camera can make adjustments to the aperture and shutter speed. For instance, if you use the spot meter setting and place your focus rectangle on the brightest part of the sky (of course, never look at the sun through the viewfinder), the camera will think, “That’s a heck of a lot of light – better use a fast shutter speed.” (See example here). However, using matrix (evaluative) metering during sunsets (which has the camera read the overall light level of the frame) will typically leave the shutter open longer, which will brighten the entire photo (at the expense of detail surrounding the brightest areas of the scene). The photos above used matrix metering – and thus the steeple is well defined. Had I used spot metering and metered off the brightest part of the sky, the entire steeple would have been in silhouette.
8. Be not afraid. Experiment. The above tips will help get you started taking better sunset shots, but I’m always trying new techniques…and so can you. (do your best Stephen Colbert impersonation here).

Above: Seeger Chapel at Sunset. Nikon D80 at 200mm f/5.6, 3.6 sec., ISO 100, matrix metering, white balance: shady.

Inset: Seeger Chapel Blues. Nikon D80 at 200mm f/5.6, 2.2 sec., ISO 100, matrix metering, white balance: tungsen.

Old Christmas at Fort Watauga

At Sycamore Shoals this weekend there is a reenactment of "Old Christmas" at Fort Watauga. In addition reenacting old Christmas traditions, there are crafts and demonstrations of military skirmishes and drills. Click here for today's schedule. To purchase prints of any of the photos you see, go to http://www.markwpeacock.com/ (clicking on "gallery" and then "area events")

bird on a wire

Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
--Leonard Cohen (1934- ) Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist

I took this photo today up at Bays Mountain in Kingsport, TN after finally getting the chance to meet up with Kingsport photographer Earl Carter over some very tasty barbecue at 12 Bones Restaurant on Main Street. As always, he was very gracious with his encouraging words and helpful advice. We swapped stories about our influences and experiences with photography. As a huge Johnny Cash fan, I had to ask him about the powerful portrait of Johnny and June which appears on Earl's website. I loved hearing about his friendship and interactions with them over the years. Click here to see their photo on Earl's website. And click here to read Earl's blog post about our lunch together.

Acuff Chapel

Acuff Chapel was the first Methodist meetinghouse west of the Appalachians and the first in Tennessee. Built in 1786 on land donated by Timothy and Anna Leigh Acuff in what is today Sullivan County, this chruch also served as a school for 75 years. The successor church, Adams Chapel, is still an active United Methodist congregation. The church above was eventually sold and moved -- used as a private house. In 1962 the Holston Conference purchased the building, moved it back to its original location and restored it. In the cemetery are the graves of the Acuffs and many other early settlers to the area. Additional photos here and here.

Directions: From Interstate 81, take exit 69 (Highway 394), drive south 1 mile to the intersection with Highway 126 in Blountville, TN. Turn right (west) on Route 126 and travel 2.2 miles. Look for the historical marker and the church on the right.

Frozen Rocky Fork

'Twas a tad bit nipply out at Rocky Fork yesterday - but well worth the frozen fingers and toes. With our crazy weather, you have to get out and enjoy the snow when it comes. Next week they're forecasting highs in the 60s. Yuck. Call me crazy, but I'd rather we get three feet of snow. Instead, we'll probably get that in March, when nobody will want it! But that's life in east Tennessee. Regardless of the weather, Rocky Fork is a beautiful place to visit. Click here to see my previous posts, and to get directions.

Full of genius and divinity

Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.
--Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), author and naturalist

Watauga Lake Overlook

Happy New Year! Early this afternoon, the 8th annual Frostbite Sailboat Race on Watauga Lake will take place. And from the weather forecast, it sounds like it's aptly named this year. I'm going to be taking down Christmas decorations, so I don't think I'll be able to venture out to the Hampton, TN side of the lake for photos. As it so happened, I was at Watauga Lake a day too early, visiting the overlook near the dam. Click here to visit the website of the group organizing the event -- and here for photos from last year's race. Below are directions to the Watauga Overlook and Dam (which is on the other side of the lake from the marina where the sailboats will be today). This overlook area, on a nice warm day, is a great place for a picnic.

Directions to Watauga Overlook: There are different ways to get to Watauga Dam from Elizabethton, TN. I think the easiest way is to take Highway 19E toward Blountville and take the Stoney Creek Road exit (Hwy 91) and travel approximately three miles. You'll come to a red light with a BP on the corner, turn right onto Blue Spring Road -- After one mile, you'll want to bear right onto Steel Bridge Road. Take this for 3/4 mile, and you'll cross a very unique one lane bridge. After crossing the bridge, the road is called Wilbur Dam Road (aka Horseshoe Dam Road, Lookout Road). Follow this road for two miles, you will come to Wilbur Dam and Wilbur Lake. Continue on for three miles further and you'll arrive at Watauga Dam Overlook. From there, it's a short walk to an overlook of the actual dam.


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