With a variety of tour types, trip durations, activity levels, and tour times, you're bound to find a tour that is right for you.
Focus: Nature. Cost: $54 for each adult. $29 for each child (10 years of age and younger). Need to Know: All ages are welcome. No experience necessary. Reservations are required. • Learn more...
LISTEN FOR THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF THE PAST.
Here you'll find the source of Lake Fontana, the enormous Fontana Dam, and the Appalachian Trail.
Fontana: Constructed in the early 1940s, the Fontana Dam is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States and marks the beginning (or end) of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
Once the Dam was completed in November 1944, the 11,700-acre Fontana Reservoir was flooded. As the depth of the lake increased, the roads along the lake’s shoreline began to disappear. Soon the paths connecting former residents to their cemeteries, bygone communities, and abandoned homesteads were gone. Those that didn’t depart before the lake filled were evacuated by boat and were forced to leave most of their belongings behind.
Today, the rusted out shells of antique cars and trucks litter portions of the roads that were out of the lake’s reach. They serve as a reminder of a different time, when the Great Smoky Mountains were filled with the hustle and bustle of progress.
Discover two distinct sections of trails leaving from Fontana, one filled with human history and the other full of natural history. Our Fontana history hikes examine the creation of the dam, the national park movement, and the final days before the National Park Service took over. Follow in the footsteps of those who left their heritage, homes, and personal belongings behind forever.
Why Go: Even today the area remains one of the most remote portions of the park. The artifacts scattered along the trails connect visitors to the people that gave up their homes for the greater good. Nature walks are surrounded by the sights and sounds of undisturbed plants and animals that have reclaimed the wet mountain forests and streams.
Getting There: Fontana is accessible via Robbinsville, NC or Bryson City, NC and is within 20 miles of many of the areas inns, bed & breakfasts, cabin rentals, camping facilities, and hotels.
GO EXPLORING: Shed the stress, strap on your boots, and hit the trail. We're going exploring at The Road to Nowhere. If your looking for easy terrain, a variety of tours, and convienence, this is your location.
NEED TO KNOW: The Drive: Over seven miles of scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and maintained asphalt make for an enjoyable ride. Parking: Parking is available. Valuables: The park is patroled by park rangers, however, please leave valuables at home or take them with you. Don't forget to lock your car before you hit the trail. Access: This location is accessable all year around. 
DEPARTURE POINTS: Your guide will meet you at the designated departure point at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time. Designated departure points vary based on the tour.
Forgot where you are supposed to meet your guide? Give us a call at (828) 488-6688 and we will point you in the right direction.
GET OUT: Millions of people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains every year, and never step foot in the park. Don't be shy, grab a friend and give us a call. A walk in the wilderness with a trusty guide can be a life changing experience. Don't miss it.
DRIVING DISTANCE: History and nature reside hand-in-hand on these trails, which are close to Robbinsville, NC (20 miles) and the Fontana Village (2 - 5 miles)
LOST & FOUND: Did you loose something on your tour? No problem. Please email us you name, phone number, mailing address, tour details (date, time, and location), a description of the item and any other information you think may help us find it. We will do our best to locate your lost item and return it to you.
DIRECTIONS: If you've made a reservation and need a map to get there, look no further. Give us a call for detailed directions to this location.
PLAYING BY THE RULES: The National Park is a treasured place and we would like to keep it that way. So, we strictly adhear to the National Park Service rules and regulations, Leave No Trace ethics, and a few additional safety rules of our own and expect our guests to do the same.
Help us keep the park a safe and enjoyable place now and for future generations.
MORE LOCATIONS: We offer tours from seven Great Smoky Mountains National Park locations in Western North Carolina. (See all of our locations.)
