Fontana Lake & Dam

Gorgeous Fontana Lake is the largest lake in Western North Carolina, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. The 480-ft. tall Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rockies (the equivalent of a 50-story skyscraper). Walk or drive across the dam and learn about the construction during the 1940s in the Tennessee Valley Authority Visitor Center. The Appalachian Trail, which extends from Georgia to Maine, crosses Fontana Dam.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest own and protect about 90% of the 238-mile shoreline. The drive via the Indian Lakes Scenic Byway (NC Highway 28 from Almond) has several overlooks along the way. Fishing, boating, and swimming are all popular at Fontana, but it is perhaps most appreciated by wilderness hikers and campers. 

Fishing
Enjoy fishing on the tributary rivers and streams of the beautiful Fontana Lake. Its waters are great for fishing all year for smallmouth and largemouth bass, with catfish found throughout spring into fall. Other fish that can be found in its over 400-foot deep waters are walleye, muskie, bluegill, catfish, and yellow perch. Explore Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek—two of Smoky Mountain's most celebrated trout streams—and maybe enter a bass tournament or two!

Boating

Take the boat for a spin on Fontana Lake, or the nearby Cheoah Lake—a unique recreational gem in the Smoky Mountains. Rent for the day from several outfitters offering rentable jet skis, motor boats, pontoon boats, and touring kayaks. Or feel free to dock your own and get out on the water!

Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboard

Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers, Fontana Lake is a great spot for kayakers and paddleboarders to see some incredible views of the Smoky Mountains! Outfitters offer paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, and tours, or feel free to bring your own recreational kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a half-day, full-day, or even multi-day camping trip in the area.

Swimming at Fontana Fingerlake Day Use Area

Open April 1-October 31 is the Fontana Fingerlake Day Use Area—a well-known spot for families, couples, and other groups to enjoy for a day of swimming, relaxing, picnicking, and more. Only minutes from Bryson City, this area is a cut-off section of the lake where no power boats are allowed. That means you should pack your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard! There's a bathroom, parking area, and primitive boat launch ramp all within this same area. No lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk!

Tsali Recreation Area

A 42-mile network of multi-use trails, the Tsali Recreation Area is rated among the top 10 places to mountain bike in the U.S.! Whether you're a mountain biker, trail runner, hiker, or horseback rider, you'll love exploring this flowy and fun trail system. Make a stop along your trip at the campground near the trail entrance to cool off, clean your bike in the lake waters, or switch gears and hop on a boat or paddleboard!

Driving Tours & Motorcycling
Life is a highway along the scenic backroads of Fontana Lake and Cheoah Lake. Nearby, you can drive along the scenic Hellbender 28 section and the famous curve of the Tail of the Dragon. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad View of Fontana Lake
All aboard! Grab a train departing from Bryson City for the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, offering you sweeping mountain views and a new perspective of Fontana Lake. The 4.5-hour roundtrip excursion from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala River Gorge, first going over the historic trellis bridge, Fontana Trestle, across Fontana Lake, and then back again to Bryson City. You will be able to view boaters, kayakers, fishermen, and much more from the trellis bridge. 

Coffee, Dining & Bars Near Fontana Lake

• Cardinal Coffee: Just outside the Nantahala Gorge of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find an early 1900s farm home turned coffee bar. Cardinal Coffee is a funky and eclectic spot that both locals and visitors enjoy.
• The Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village Resort & Lodge: Grab a bite to eat alongside some stunning mountain views at this Bistro at Fontana Village Resort. Share stories of your day's fishing catch, boating experience, and other highlights from your trip to Fontana Lake in this warm, elegant restaurant. 
• Wildwood Grill at Fontana Village Resort: Right in the middle of the Fontana Village Resort sits the Wildwood Grill, offering friendly service and delicious food. Dine on their patio or at a table inside and enjoy sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains no matter where you decide to enjoy your meal.

The Fontana Dam Visitor Center is open to the public from 9 AM to 7 PM daily from April through August, and from 9 AM to 6 PM September and October. The center closes on the last Sunday in October. But you can drive or walk across the dam all year for spectacular panoramic views. The dam was featured in the 2015 film "A Walk in the Woods." Read more! 

In addition to the Visitor Center parking, there are two other parking areas with overlooks. One is across the bridge, driving the road to the end for the view in the photo above. 

Just before the Visitor Center on the opposite side of the road is a parking area with a picnic pavilion, pier, and overlook with views of the lake. (see below)

Fontana Lake History
Fontana was built during World War II to provide electric power for the war effort. A new town, housing some 5,000 people who worked around the clock in three shifts, sprang up in the forest, and the project broke construction records. What was once the construction village is now Fontana Village Resort, a year-round resort with a big variety of accommodations, including a lodge, cabins, and camping. Also, find a general store, restaurants, marina, and outdoor pools. 

There are about 400 houseboats on Fontana Lake, and many are vacation rentals. With a boat, you can reach many remote sections of the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to the Appalachian Trail, the Lakeshore Trail starts across the dam (take the road to the right) and goes 35 miles to the Road to Nowhere near Bryson City. The dam is a popular stop for hikers on the Appalachian Trail, since hot showers are available at the trail shelter, earning the name "Fontana Hilton." 

Directions from Asheville (94 miles): Take I-40 West. Take the exit for Hwy 74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expressway). Stay on Hwy 74 (four lanes). You will pass Clyde and Sylva, and 8 miles past Bryson City (last chance for groceries and restaurants) turn right on Hwy 28. Continue on Hwy 28 for 25 miles (stop at the Stecoah Arts Center on your way!).

Continue past the dam via NC Highway and US Highway 129 to reach The Dragon scenic drive, Yellow Creek Falls, and Lake Santeetlah.