fontana lake?

“Has anyone ever been to fontana lake? If so know any good bp trails near there?”

“Where is it at?”

“on the edge of the smokies, on tenn. nc border.”

“Been past fontanna lake, have not hiked the AT in that area only hiked the AT north from newfound gap, but it goes right past it into the Smokies there are quite a number of trails to hike in the Smokies besides the AT lots of loop trails day hikes and backcountry camoing in the smokies any ? bump me back..”

“Sounds like a great place to go backpacking.”

“Been to the smokies the last three years once in april (spring break) with my kids we all had a blast day hiking, great day or over night hikes, other times june/july can get a little warm bping up those hills, but wouldn't give it up for nothing!!!
only its a bit of a drive to get there, made it 3 times in 2001, can't wait for more vacation time!!”

“Muttley is that in/near fonatana lake?”

“Fontana Lake is on the south edge of the smokies, trailhead right there on the lake takes you into the trail system...can branch off from the AT to any number of hikes or drive some roads to more trailheads... all of my time I've been in the north half and east half,Fontana is in the southwest just drove past it to a place to whitewater raft... you got to try that too if you have'nt already!!!”

“ahh sweet thank you. You dont happen to know a ranger station number do ya?”

“not with me can get it @ home and forward 2-21-02”

“Does yer mama still hafta dress you?


Try this:
Drive to Western North Carolina. Stop at Forest Service or National Park office. Get map and "hot off the trail" info from ranger. Say to self (or ranger, too):
"Hmmm, this looks like a good loop, and the trailhead is only eight miles away."

Get back in car and drive, say, eight miles to trailhead. Don pack. Walk. Pretty simple, actually.”

“Fontana Lake is a nice–n-quiet place for camping and hiking. The campsites are not on the lake, but are located at least one hundred yards or more on the different streams feeding the lake. The best trail to hike is Hazel Creek to or from the AT. Eagle Creek is very nasty because of the many major creek crossings. If you take this trial, bring extra shoes, dry clothes and a good lighter. You will need it!

If you go in at Fontana Dam the nearest ranger station is called Twentymile. If you come in from the other end of Fontana near Bryson City, the ranger station is called Deep Creek. The reservation number to the Smokes is (865) 436-1231.

The Fontana Village Boat Dock next to the Dam will provide a water taxi service to any place on Fontana Lake for a heady price. Two people with packs round trip is $50.00. However, it is better than walking to the prime spots if time is at a premium. Their number is 1 800 849-2258 and ask for the boat dock (ext 277).”

“The nearest ranger station to Fontana is Twentymile. From Twentymile you could do the Gregory Bald loop. I'd do that one in Late June/early July so you could see the Azaleas in bloom on the Bald.

The AT crosses Fontana Dam so you could go either way.

In the Smokies you could take the Lakeshore trail. It skirts the edge of the lake on the Smokies side. It's popular with horse packers but if you go before the summer season you most likely won't run into any of them.

Don't forget the the Nantahala National Forest is on the other side of the lake. Lots of good hiking there too.”

“Y'all are quick!”

“this ChiefLight guy?

I am the only Chief around here!!!!!

ChiefHeavy actually.

LMAO”

“Chieflight thansk for the info.

HPM I got to pisgah alot.

Gojo, no she dont dress me and you suck. If you dont want to read my questions go read something else.”

“I think flatlander was hiking at Fontana Dam on 9/11. I think the rangers cam and escorted him away from the dam.”

“I see you got all the info you need hope you have a good time when you planning your trip?... depending on how things go I may be hiking the AT southbound from NF gap early summer headed to fontana and south. good hiking”

“Zeus, get a thicker skin, my friend, you need it around here especially when you are new.

When someone takes a swipe at ya, a humerous response works better.

Gojo is a good guy.”

“For Zeus.

Don't come on this board and ask the mundane, and not expect to get hammered. Fontana Lake? You gotta be kidding me. If you hiked at all in the GSMNP area, you would know that there are books, and maps, and phone numbers and websites.”

“"I think flatlander was hiking at Fontana Dam on 9/11. I think the rangers cam and escorted him away from the dam."
Big Coop
06:38:48 PM
02/20/02

It was the local deputies actually. They had the road blocked both ways, but did not secure the AT Trailhead (duh). I walked right out of the woods onto the dam. Stopped and opened my pack, got out my camera and started taking pictures. When I got across the dam the visitor center was closed. A couple of painters told me I was not supposed to be there. The deputy showed up to escort me away. I had been traveling the ridgeline for a few days. Once he got a whiff of me, he let the painter give me a ride in his truck. They searched my pack after they got me away from the dam, still have not figured that one out.

You do get several great views of Fontanta lake from the AT. Shudstack(sp)mountain has an old fire tower that you can climb up and see the lake and surrounding area. It is only a few miles from the dam, but it's mostly uphill if your leaving from the dam.”

“TD- Ive been in the smokies once, and then cause I got lost going somewhere else.

Fritz- Im sure Gojo is a good guy like im sure TD is.

Seems like every time I ask a question I have someone bitc}{in about me asking it. It may be mundane to someone else, but its not mundane to me. If I have a question Ill ask it till ppl quit answering or till I understand completely.”

“Like water off a ducks back Zeus. Let it flow, it can't hurt you anyway.



It's Shuckstack that has the fire tower. I haven't been there, I just recognize the name.

Anywho Zeus, if you're interested in doing a Gregory Bald hike one weekend in late June/early July to see the azaleas in bloom like HPM suggested drop me a line. My email addy is in my bio (just click on my signature). I like the sounds of it and G00SE, Sauron and I might be interested in hooking up with you for that one.”

“Zeus.. naw you are prolly ok dude.. I dont know ya.. so I thought you might be another one of those folks who is too dang lazy to look up anything.. and when you trashed gojo.. kinda pissed me off.. so hey.. it all fall into one track.. and I ended up trashing you..

my apologies.. but hey.. like skully says.. if u got big go.. u wont like us around here too much..

anyways.. ask any question you need to know..”

“Forgive and forget i always say.

Sounds cool skullcap, hopefully by that time i can get the weight down on my back some.”

“Cool.”

“Where's that sense of adventure?

Little is more appealing to me than to enter a region - say, the Southern Rockies - with no further plans than to hike... somewhere.

I will stop in a town and get directions to the FS office (if neccessary... there are usually ample signs to get you there). Then, I'll talk to the rangers (believe it or not, but many of the "frontcountry" rangers know the area as well as the backcountry rangers - they LOVE to hike). Plus, they get lots of feedback from exiting hikers - I have stopped back by stations myself on several occasions.

Anyhoo, after consultation with both a ranger(s) and a map, I'll make my final decision. Often that includes carcamping at a campgound (or dispersed camping area) near the trailhead so's I can get a fresh, early start the next morning.

I've done hikes in Bryce, Tetons, Sawtooths, Colorado, White Mts., Dacks, Black Hills, etc, in this manner.

It's FUN!”