Fontana Dam and Village

Every thru-hiker looks forward to walking across the Fontana Dam. It symbolizes the start of the Smoky Mountains. The dam is the tallest in the Eastern United States and offers excellent views of Fontana Lake, surrounding mountains and the deep gorge of the Little Tennessee River, almost 500 feet below.

A free bus shuttle goes into the tiny, remote town of Fontana. I was able to score a ride with a fellow hiker whose wife was in the area with a car. In Fontana, I got a box of food I mailed myself, although there was a campground store you can re-supply. Fontana also had a restaurant, lodge and cabins, but I took the bus back just one hour later and was back hiking with minimal disruption.

The dam has one of the most accessible trail shelters along the AT. The unique shelter has a view of Fontana Lake and nearby are flush toilets and showers, a real luxury for thru-hikers. The shelter sleeps 24 people and is known as the Fontana Hilton. Tourists often walk to it just to catch a glimpse of Appalachian Trail culture.