January 21st, 2008 - I began my first hike of 2008 around noon at the Iron Mountain Gap  trailhead (off of Watauga Dam Road), heading north on the Appalachian Trail.  The first 3/4 mile of this hike is a difficult climb, but once you get up on top of the ridgeline (around 3000') it levels out for a moderate hike.     

Wonderful Views of Watauga Lake from Iron Mountain

I would recommend to take this hike in the winter due to the wonderful views through leafless trees.  The views would not be near as abundant when the leaves are out, so try this one from November to February.  I had great vistas of Watauga Lake, the Roan Highlands, and Grandfather Mountain for almost my entire hike.    

After 4.4 miles, and quite a bit of hiking in the snow, I arrived at Vandeventer Shelter (elevation 3620').  Behind the shelter is a rock cliff that offers unreal views of the lake and surrounding mountains.  I hung out at the shelter for about 30 minutes... taking photos, eating lunch, and enjoying the scenery.  

On my descent I took a couple of photos of a pretty Hemlock forest that was tagged for identification, which I assume is to track of the Woolly Adelgid (insect) infestations that are taking place and killing all of our Hemlocks.  It sure is going to be a shame to lose such beautiful and majestic trees.   

About half way down I also ran into a really nice hiker by the name of Mike.  Mike was from Stoney Creek and said he hiked this section of the A.T. at least once a week.  He and I talked for 15 minutes or so, and he told me about a bushwhack across an adjacent ridge leading to the "Raven Rock" overlook (a rock cliff overlooking Wilbur Lake).  I plan on returning soon to find Raven Rock.  

I arrived back at my car at 4:00, completing this beautiful hike in exactly four hours.

Total Miles Hiked:  8.8