Adventure - Water Adventures
Fontana Lake: A Quiet Mountain Lake on the Edge of the Smokies
Scenic Views
Nature Lovers
Fontana Lake stretches along the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina, a long reach of water framed by forested ridges. It was created when the Tennessee Valley Authority built Fontana Dam across the Little Tennessee River between 1942 and 1944, and today it offers 10,230 acres of water and 238 miles of shoreline.
The easiest way onto the water is through Fontana Village Resort & Marina, which rents 22-foot pontoon boats by the half day or full day, along with kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing is allowed on the deluxe pontoon, pets are welcome for an additional fee, and the resort also offers guided outings such as historical lake tours and a Hazel Creek guided tour.
Leave time for Fontana Dam itself. Standing 480 feet high, it was built as the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains, and its visitor center shares maps and the story of its wartime construction. The Appalachian Trail crosses the top of the dam, where thru-hikers rest at the shelter they call the Fontana Hilton. Plan on about two hours of driving each way from the Pigeon Forge area, and consider pairing the trip with a stop along the way.
Photo: Upstateherd, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fontana Village Resort & Marina rents 22-foot deluxe and premier pontoon boats in two-, four- and eight-hour blocks, as well as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Book through fontanavillage.com or call (800) 849-2258.
The resort lists pontoon renters as 26 and older, with room for up to 15 people. Fishing is allowed on the deluxe pontoon, and pets are welcome for an additional fee.
Yes. Fontana Dam, off Highway 28 in Fontana, North Carolina, has a visitor center with maps and historical information, and the Appalachian Trail crosses the top of the dam.
Fontana is a working TVA reservoir used for flood control and power, so its level varies by about 56 feet between summer and winter.
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