“We don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.”
April 8, 2021
Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake and Buck Mountain to 19E, TN
Trail miles: 8.6 miles (Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake) and 3.3 miles (Buck Mountain Road to 19E)
Weather: warm and hazy
Ascent: 1798′ and 368′
Descent: 2376′ and 1099′
The first part of the morning involved a hike down to a stream. There was an awesome waterfall!
![](https://hikinghaggis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-15.png)
Last year I saw a video of some people on the AT walking around part of a river on a rock ledge, and they said that it was very dangerous. Well, that was one of the big things I was afraid of on the trail. I did it this morning! The trail went around the side of a rocky promontory alongside a fast-moving stream by a fairly narrow ledge cut into the rock. When I was about halfway around this particular part I realized that this was the rocky ledge that I’ve been dreading! It was a bit scary but not as bad as I thought it would be. And now it’s done!
The rest of the hike was nice–few views but nice woods with lots of wildflowers!
![](https://hikinghaggis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-16.png)
The second part of the hike was near Roan mountain. The top of this summit was fairly clear and we got some nice views.
![](https://hikinghaggis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-17.png)
The last part was a lovely descent down a grassy farm path.
![](https://hikinghaggis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-18.png)
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
You keep referring to “we”, but I thought you were alone?
I think it’s others in the slackpacking group.
These ridge-line views are familiar and I love the wildflower photos.
Vaughan Stanley
cvstanley24416@hotmail.com
I am glad your weather had been nice for the most part but I know you’ve probably set up your ⛺️ in the rain more than once! ☔️
Your pix are glorious! God’s beauty surrounds you! Hope your feet and knees are cooperating!
Margie and Jack