Fontana Dam...

Historic Dam with Recreational Lake and Hiking

The Fontana Dam Area lies in a scenic if somewhat remote location along the Little Tennessee River at the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Fontana Dam was built in 1942-44 to provide electricity and prevent flooding in the Tennessee River Valley. The reservoir created by the dam forms Fontana Lake , stretching 29 miles with many recreational opportunities, while the Appalachian Trail crosses the 2,365-foot dam with scenic views. A Visitor Center provides facilities and information. Built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the dam and its structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Fontana Dam, Great Smoky Mountains, BikeTripper.net

Location Map...
Fontana Dam - Great Smoky Mountains

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Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina (See map)
Trailheads/Parking: Fontana Dam Visitor Center

Page Summary:

Fontana Dam
- Fontana Dam, Fontana Lake, Visitor Center, Appalachian Trail
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Fontana Dam... Comments and Photos

The Dam: At 480 feet, this is the highest dam of the Tennessee Valley Authority, and tallest concrete dam east of the Mississippi River. It continues today to provide electricity and flood control in the Tennessee River Valley.
Fontana Lake: The lake covers 10,230 acres with 240+ miles of shoreline. The north shore is the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while the south shore is the northern border at Nantahala National Forest. Activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Local outfitters provide rentals.
Visitor Center: Open May through October. Parking, restrooms, picnicking, gift shop, snack bar, information and exhibits.
Hiking: The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the top of the 2,365-foot dam and is the main entry into the National Park for trail users. The AT trail shelter is a welcome amenity dubbed the "Fontana Hilton." The Lakeshore Trail and nearby Tsali Recreation Area offer more hiking.