I was working in Maryville TN last week, and I found myself with about 4 hours to fill in mid-afternoon. Rather than spend 1/2 that time just getting home and back, I decided it would be better to run down to Deal's Gap. I hadn't been there in several months, so the timing was right. And given my druthers, I'd rather ride through there when there is minimal foliage anyway.
As expected, it was pretty nice. But what really surprised me was that Chilhowee Lake, east of the gnarly stuff, didn't appear to be being dammed at all...it was just a river. Take a look at the attached pictures and you'll see parts of the old road bed and even a concrete bridge that are normally covered by water.