Travel a unique path along the Appalachian Trail

Not only is Fontana Dam a beautiful vista on the drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, at 480 feet high it’s also the tallest concrete dam in the East. After crossing the length of the top of the dam you’ve even traveled a bit of the grandiose Appalachian Trail. The dam was originally built in the early 1940s to accommodate skyrocketing electricity demands and is a strong source of hydroelectric power. The barrier forms Fontana Lake, a quaint retreat for outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating and fishing.