Fontana Dam & Visitors Center

Take a stop here along the Appalachian trail, the highest dam in the Eastern United States.

Located off Highway 28 in North Carolina, this dam is 480 feet tall and stretches across the Tennessee River. After just 3 years of construction, the Fontana Dam was built to create electric power during the World War II era. The Fontana Dam borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's southernmost end and has hot showers available at the trail shelter. Come and enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming right at the reservoir. You may also stop by the visitor center, open seasonally from 9 am to 7 pm April through August and 9 am to 6 pm in September and October. You won't want to miss a chance to see the Fontana Dam; it is a perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.