Here you'll find the source of Lake Fontana, the enormous Fontana Dam, and the Appalachian Trail. 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).
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One of the Park's hidden gems, and arguably the most controversial tale, the famed Road to Nowhere is full of wildlife, folklore, and history. Easily reached from Bryson City, NC (6 miles), Nantahala Gorge (16 miles), Cherokee (16 miles), and Sylva, NC (25 miles).
Waterfalls dot the landscape along Deep Creek. Popular with tubers in the warmer months, the paths beyond the sight of curious are some of the best in the Park. Water flows along side most of the trails brining live and natures built in air conditioning in warmer months. Deep Creek is accessible via Bryson City, NC (2 miles), and close to the Nantahala Gorge (14 miles), Sylva, NC (20 miles).
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You can almost see the sweat pouring from the men of the CCC who built much of this National Park during the Great Depression. The remnants of their camps still exist here as does Mingus' Grist Mill. Close to Cherokee (3 to 6 miles), Bryson City, NC (15 miles), Blue Ridge Parkway (1 mile), Sylva, NC (17 miles), and a short drive over the mountains from Gatlinburg (20 miles).
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Site of the Parks dedication in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Newfound Gap provides access to many of the Parks higher peaks, spruce-fir forest, and the Appalachian Trail. Many of the parks spectacular views are kept here. Centrally located between Gatlinberg, TN (16 miles) and Cherokee (18 miles), Newfound Gap is easily accessible from both sides of the Park.
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At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the tallest peak in the Park and the third largest peak east of the Mississippi. Spectacular views, endangered spruce forest, and starry skies are just a few steps away. Clingmans is centrally located between Gatlinburg, TN (23 miles) and Cherokee (25 miles).
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Follow in the footsteps of the hundreds of settlers, loggers, and families who once followed these old roads home. The protected valley was once the largest populated settlement within what is now the Park. Traces of civilization in the form of churches, homes, and old barns still stand tall among the valley's old growth forest. Remotely located in the eastern section of the Park, Cataloochee Valley is accessible from I-40 (10 miles), Maggie Valley, NC (15 miles), Waynesville, NC (25 miles), and Asheville, NC (40 miles).
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