The best running trails around Watauga Lake

The Appalachian Trail: Watauga Lake section offers a truly engaging jogging experience, winding through dense hardwood forests and across varied terrain. You'll encounter everything from runnable dirt paths to more technical, rocky sections, all while being treated to expansive views of Watauga Lake and the surrounding Cherokee National Forest. Keep an eye out for vibrant mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets, and enjoy the impressive vistas from the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness.

This difficult 6.7-mile (10.8 km) route involves a significant 1570 feet (479 metres) of elevation gain, which means you should expect a challenging workout that takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Access is convenient from spots like the Shook Branch Recreation Area, which provides amenities. This trail is best suited for experienced joggers who are ready for sustained climbs and varied conditions.

One of the most notable features of the broader Watauga Lake AT area is the unique crossing over the Watauga Dam, which provides impressive vistas of the Watauga River Gorge. This section of the Appalachian Trail is known for its wild and secluded character, flanked by the Pond Mountain Wilderness and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness, offering a true escape into nature.

This section of the Appalachian Trail, from Shook Branch to Watauga Dam, offers a delightful jogging experience through the Cherokee National Forest. You'll trace the shoreline of Watauga Lake, enjoying captivating views and passing through diverse hardwood forests dotted with mountain laurel and rhododendron. The initial two miles are flat and shaded, providing easy footing before the trail bends inland for a steady climb on a dirt and root-filled path, culminating in the impressive Watauga Dam. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, with 400 feet (122 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Access to the trail is easy, with the trailhead located near the Shook Branch Swimming Area. Parking is generally available, but arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially during peak season. The trail is open year-round, making it a flexible option for your jogging schedule, and it's a dog friendly Appalachian Trail section, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion.

The most distinctive feature of this route is the opportunity to cross the historic Watauga Dam itself, which was once the highest earth dam in the world and remains the highest in the eastern U.S. This provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and the deep gorge below. Beyond the dam, the trail offers a sense of solitude, passing through a wild and secluded part of the AT, bordered by the Pond Mountain Wilderness and Big Laurel Branch Wilderness.

The Appalachian Trail to Laurel Falls offers a refreshing escape into the Cherokee National Forest, winding through dense rhododendron forests and alongside the clear waters of Laurel Fork Creek. You'll navigate rocky and sometimes muddy sections, cross charming wooden footbridges, and eventually reach the dramatic 55-foot Laurel Falls, nestled between impressive cliffs. It's a scenic journey that feels wilder than many other waterfall trails.

To start this adventure, you can access the trail from the US 321 trailhead, connecting via the Hampton Blueline Trail, or directly from the Laurel Fork Falls Trailhead. Another option is a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) one-way route from Dennis Cove, which is mostly flat for the first mile. This trail is generally less crowded, making it a good choice if you prefer a more solitary experience.

This moderate jogging route covers 4.7 miles (7.5 km) with 443 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 57 minutes. It stands out by offering a more rugged and traditional Appalachian Trail experience compared to its paved namesake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, even traversing sections of an old railroad bed.

The Coon Den Falls and Appalachian Trail Loop offers a dynamic jogging experience, blending the iconic Appalachian Trail with the rugged beauty of Coon Den Falls. You'll navigate a diverse landscape, from the gradual, switchbacking climbs of the AT, where you might spot an old barn remnant, to the much steeper and rockier sections around Coon Den Falls. The trail is particularly lush with rhododendrons and ferns, especially vibrant when the rhododendrons bloom in early June, creating a natural, green tunnel.

This moderate route covers 3.5 miles (5.7 km) with a significant 971 feet (296 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 51 minutes to jog. Be aware that a short stretch requires walking on a narrow road without much shoulder, so stay alert. For the best views of the 60-foot Coon Den Falls, plan your visit after some rain. Winter conditions can make the rocky areas slippery, so proper gear is a must.

One of the trail's standout features is its integration with a segment of the Appalachian Trail, offering a taste of this famous long-distance route. The impressive Coon Den Falls is the primary draw, complemented by unique rock formations along the steeper descents. Its proximity to Dennis Cove also means you're close to other natural attractions like Laurel Falls, making it a great option for exploring the wider area.

The Appalachian Trail to Laurel Falls offers a refreshing jogging experience through dense rhododendron forests and along the clear waters of Laurel Fork Creek. You'll encounter picturesque cascades and even sections of an old railroad bed before reaching the impressive 55-foot Laurel Falls, a block waterfall dramatically set between cliffs. This route provides a rugged, authentic AT feel, making it a great choice for those who appreciate natural beauty and a quieter trail.

Accessing this trail is relatively simple, with trailheads available from points like US 321. It's particularly relevant now as the popular Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed for rehabilitation, positioning this Appalachian Trail section as an excellent alternative for waterfall enthusiasts. Consider a visit in May to witness the vibrant mountain laurel blooms, enhancing the scenic appeal of your run.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) jogging route, with a modest 276 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 29 minutes. It stands out for offering a more traditional Appalachian Trail experience compared to its paved namesake, providing a chance to enjoy a striking waterfall in relative solitude. The trail winds through Laurel Fork Gorge, offering views of impressive cliffs and lush plant life.