The Appalachian Trail is over 2,000 miles long and stretches between Georgia and Maine. This section located in eastern Tennessee skirts along the western edge of Watauga Lake beginning at the Dam. The trail is long and hard climbing to reach the ridge of Iron Mountain. March through May is the popular window for folks taking long trips. Other months you will most likely have the mountain to yourself. Winter trips can be snowy and icy but doable.