Fontana Dam Description Located near Fontana Village, North Carolina, Fontana Dam is the tallest dam in the eastern United States. It impounds the Little Tennessee River to form Fontana Lake. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop, the scenery from the lake is beautiful. Since most of the lake shoreline, about 90%, is owned by the National Park Service or the Forest Service, it is mostly undeveloped. The most popular activities in the area are boating, fishing, swiming, wilderness hiking, and camping. There are several marinas that rent boats. Public boat ramps are also available. From the water, you can get a unique view of the Smoky Mountains. You can see from the water all the way up to the highest peak, Clingmans Dome. The Appalachian trail passes over the dam and several campsites are within a short hike. The Tennessee Valley Authority operates a visitor center and gives tours of the dam. Weather

Directions and Map

From Bryson City, NC, take U.S. hwy 74 west to N.C. state hwy 28. Turn right on 28 and go about 22 miles. Turn right off of 28 to Fontana Dam.

From Maryville, TN, take U.S. 129 south to state hwy 28. Follow 28 about 10 miles. Turn left off of 28 to Fontana Dam.

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Recommended Reading

Trails Illustrated Topo Map is an excellent map of the Smokies, showing roads, hiking trails, camping areas, picnic areas, ranger stations, and more. It is waterproof and tearproof, so it is very durable to take with you camping or hiking, even if it rains.

100 Hikes in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most informative books available about hiking in the Smokies. It gives detailed information about many of the hiking trails in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains: A Vistor's Companion describes and illustrates in full color dozens of plant and animal species in the Smokies, including a wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and plants. It also explores the park's geology, climate, and history.

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