Lake Fontana

In many respects, Fontana Lake is exceptional. The development of the shoreline has been kept to a minimum, unlike most lakes in the region. The National Park Service or the US Forest Service owns more than 90% of the area surrounding the lake.

There is a lot to explore with a boat on this lake, with a ton of inlets, bays, and islands created by ancient mountain tops jutting through the placid surface waters. Boating on Fontana Lake offers a special view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for those who are fortunate enough to do so. The view from the lake level to the summit of the towering Clingmans Dome, the Park's highest peak, is occasionally unhindered. Enjoy standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing at various lakeside locations.

On both the Great Smoky Mountain side and the Nantahala National Forest side of the lake, there are trails all around it. When the water is high, several trailheads can only be reached by boat. This is the only place to get to the most isolated parts of the Smoky Mountains National Park, barring a multi-day hike. The observation deck of Clingmans Dome offers a breathtaking view of the entire lake from almost a mile above on clear days.

Location: Graham / Swain counties, North Carolina