Fontana Dam is a region situated amidst the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. This area is characterized by its deep river gorges, the expansive Fontana Lake with its extensive shoreline, and diverse terrain ranging from rocky paths to dense rhododendron canopies. The landscape provides a setting for several sports like hiking, with the Appalachian Trail crossing directly over the dam.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Fontana Dam offers numerous…
10
Routes
4.7
(4)
Average rating
68
People visited

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.

2
hikers
4.70km
01:24
160m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Fontana Dam region offers opportunities for hiking. The area is situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, providing diverse terrain for exploration. The Appalachian Trail also crosses directly over Fontana Dam.
The region offers diverse hiking opportunities, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Other trails, such as the Llewellyn Cove Loop Trail, showcase historic sites and natural water features. For more detailed information, consult the guide Hiking around Fontana Dam.
The Fontana Dam area provides trails suitable for various skill levels. Sections of the Appalachian Trail are accessible for day hikes, and other paths offer less strenuous options through the diverse landscapes. Visitors can find routes that match their experience level.
The region offers diverse hiking opportunities, some of which are suitable for families. Trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing visitors to choose paths that align with their family's capabilities. Exploring sections of the Appalachian Trail or other local paths can be a family activity.
Key natural features include Fontana Dam itself, the tallest dam east of the Rockies, and Fontana Lake, a large man-made reservoir. The area is also surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, offering extensive natural beauty.
The Fontana Dam itself is a significant historical site, built rapidly during World War II. The Llewellyn Cove Loop Trail showcases historic sites related to the dam's construction. The region also has remnants of logging history within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) crosses directly over Fontana Dam. This makes the dam a pivotal point for thru-hikers and provides accessible sections for day hikes. The 'Fontana Hilton,' an A.T. shelter, is also located nearby.
Fontana Dam has been visited by more than 70 komoot users. The available routes have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars, indicating a positive experience for visitors. There is 1 hiking route currently listed on komoot for this region.
Komoot offers a guide titled Hiking around Fontana Dam. This guide provides detailed information and routes for exploring the hiking opportunities in the region.
Information regarding the Fontana Dam, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), can be found on the TVA's official website. The Fontana Village Resort & Marina also serves as a comprehensive resource for visitors to the region. The official TVA website for Fontana Dam is https://www.tva.com/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric/Fontana.
For information related to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center, the contact number is +1-828-498-2234. This number can provide details about the dam itself and visitor services.
The Fontana Dam region, being part of the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest, offers trails with varying terrain and elevation changes. These include sections of the Appalachian Trail, which can present challenging conditions for experienced hikers.
The 'Fontana Hilton' is a well-known Appalachian Trail shelter located near Fontana Dam. It is notable among hikers for its large capacity, scenic setting, and the convenience of nearby flush toilets and hot showers, offering a unique stop for thru-hikers.

