Fontana Lake is a large reservoir situated between North Carolina and Tennessee, primarily known for its extensive shoreline bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. The region features diverse landscapes, including the prominent Fontana Dam, which stands as the tallest dam in the eastern United States. Its clear, deep waters and numerous coves create a setting well-suited for several outdoor sports like hiking and water-based activities. The area's rugged terrain and protected wilderness offer a…
27
Routes
4.3
(17)
Average rating
178
People visited

14
hikers
13.4km
05:48
1,100m
120m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
29.8km
09:37
1,300m
1,260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
8.77km
03:10
770m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
12.2km
04:09
1,000m
20m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Fontana Lake is a large reservoir situated between North Carolina and Tennessee, notable for its extensive shoreline bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. It features the Fontana Dam, the tallest dam in the eastern United States, and offers clear, deep waters.
The Fontana Lake region primarily offers hiking, with a diverse network of trails. The area also provides opportunities for water-based activities and mountain biking in specific areas like the Tsali Recreation Area. komoot users have shared 1 hiking route in the region.
Yes, Fontana Lake offers a variety of hiking trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail which crosses Fontana Dam. Other notable trails include the 33-mile (53 km) Lakeshore Trail and routes within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information, see the komoot guide Hiking around Fontana Lake.
Yes, the Fontana Lake region includes options for easier hikes suitable for various skill levels. These trails often provide lakeside paths or less strenuous ascents. A dedicated komoot guide, Easy hikes around Fontana Lake, details these routes.
The backcountry around Fontana Lake features hidden waterfalls accessible via hiking trails. These routes offer scenic beauty and opportunities to explore natural water features. Specific waterfall hikes are detailed in the komoot guide Waterfall hikes around Fontana Lake.
The legendary Appalachian Trail crosses directly over Fontana Dam, providing hikers with access to rugged sections of the Smokies. A popular stop for Appalachian Trail hikers, a trail shelter near the dam, is known as the "Fontana Hilton." This offers a unique experience for long-distance and section hikers.
The Lakeshore Trail is a 33-mile (53 km) path that traces the north shore of Fontana Lake. It provides forest paths, lake views, and access to backcountry campsites. This trail also shares sections with the Benton MacKaye Trail and offers a quieter alternative to busier routes.
The Fontana Lake region offers various popular hiking routes, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Lakeshore Trail. Trails like the Eagle Creek Trail and the route to Shuckstack Fire Tower are also frequently visited for their scenic views. komoot users have rated routes in the area with an average of 4.31 out of 5 stars.
Fontana Dam is the tallest dam in the eastern United States, standing at 480 feet (146 meters). Visitors can walk or drive across the dam, which provides panoramic views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains. It also serves as a crossing point for the Appalachian Trail.
komoot offers several guides for the Fontana Lake region to help plan outdoor activities. These include Hiking around Fontana Lake, Easy hikes around Fontana Lake, and Waterfall hikes around Fontana Lake.
More than 700 visitors have shared their experiences and completed routes in the Fontana Lake region on komoot. The available routes have received an average rating of 4.31 out of 5 stars from 54 ratings.
Information about the Fontana Lake region can be found on the official website for the area: explorebrysoncity.com. This site provides details on activities and local resources.
For general inquiries about the Fontana Lake area, a contact number is available: +1-828-488-7857. Specific visitor centers or marinas may have their own direct contact information.

