3.2
(2)
62
hikers
Goldmine Loop Trail
01:27
4.87km
160m
Hiking
Hike the easy 3.0-mile Goldmine Loop Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, featuring a historic tunnel and Fontana Lake views.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.01 km
Fontana Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
4.27 km
"Nowhere Tunnel"
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
Tip by
4.87 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.09 km
768 m
Surfaces
4.09 km
768 m
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Elevation
Highest point (670 m)
Lowest point (540 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 6 May
22°C
14°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Goldmine Loop Trail start, and is there parking available?
The Goldmine Loop Trail begins near the famous "Road to Nowhere" Tunnel, which is part of Lakeview Drive. You can find parking at the tunnel's entrance. The trail itself starts after walking through the 1,200-foot tunnel, or you can take the Tunnel Bypass Trail to avoid it.
Are dogs allowed on the Goldmine Loop Trail?
No, dogs are not permitted on this trail. The Goldmine Loop Trail is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and park regulations prohibit pets on most trails, including this one.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
Autumn is particularly scenic due to the vibrant fall colors of the mixed hardwood forests. Spring also offers beautiful sights with redbud trees blooming. The trail can be wet and muddy in spots, especially after rain, so be prepared for varying conditions regardless of the season.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike the Goldmine Loop Trail?
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you do not need a permit to hike the Goldmine Loop Trail for day use. However, if you plan to camp overnight at Backcountry Campsite 67, a permit is required.
What notable features or sights will I encounter on the trail?
The trail offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. You'll walk through the unique "Nowhere Tunnel" at the start. Along the way, look for historical remnants like stone chimneys from former Appalachian homesteads. The trail also provides views of Fontana Lake where Goldmine Branch meets the shoreline.
Is the Goldmine Loop Trail suitable for beginners or families?
The Goldmine Loop Trail is generally rated as moderate. While it's accessible to most hikers, it does include some steep uphill and downhill sections that can be challenging, especially the initial descent into the Goldmine Branch drainage. Families with younger children or those new to hiking should be prepared for these sections.
What is the terrain like on the Goldmine Loop Trail?
The terrain varies from well-kept paths to rocky or muddy spots, particularly near streams. You'll traverse mixed hardwood forests, and sections along Goldmine Branch can be wet and shaded by rhododendron. There are also creek crossings and wooden bridges.
How long does it typically take to complete the Goldmine Loop Trail?
Hikers should generally allow two to three hours to complete the roughly 3.1-mile loop. The total duration can vary based on your pace, stops for photos, and trail conditions.
Is there an alternative to walking through the 'Road to Nowhere' Tunnel?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid the dark passage of the 1,200-foot tunnel, there is a 1.6-mile Tunnel Bypass Trail available. This trail offers an alternative route to reach the Goldmine Loop Trailhead.
What kind of wildlife might I see on the trail?
Wildlife sightings are frequent in this area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hikers often spot black bears, wild turkeys, and deer. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Are there any camping options along the Goldmine Loop Trail?
Yes, about 1.5 miles into the trail, a spur path leads to Backcountry Campsite 67. This quiet site is located on the grounds of a former farmstead and offers an option for an overnight backpacking trip. Remember that a permit is required for backcountry camping.
Does the Goldmine Loop Trail connect with other trails?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail, the Lakeshore Trail, and the Tunnel Bypass Trail.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
In the years 1930-1940 the Fontana Dam was built in North Carolina and the 41 km2 Fontana Lake was created south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hundreds of people were resettled, houses and streets were flooded. The government promised to build a new road, Lakeview Drive, north of the lake from Bryson City to Fontana, 30 km west. After 10 km of road was built in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a 400 m long road tunnel, construction was halted. Since then, this road and tunnel has been popularly referred to as "The Road to Nowhere" and "Nowhere Tunnel" respectively. https://www.greatsmokies.com/road-nowhere/ (The time-related information on the hike is not correct)
We are still in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. "The Road to Nowhere" ends with the "Nowhere Tunnel". A road that was simply not built any further in 1943. Our path led down to Fontana Lake, a large, beautiful, fairly pristine ostrich lake. In the many stream valleys we hiked again through dense jungle forests with rhododendron trees. I found the tour extremely spooky and I was extremely alert to what animals, snakes, etc. we encountered. KmW 2022 1150.19