Just a short drive from your cabin in Bryson City lies Lake Fontana—North Carolina’s deepest reservoir and a true mountain playground.
📏 Lake at a Glance
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Size & Depth: Spanning approximately 10,230 acres with 238 miles of meandering shoreline, Lake Fontana stretches nearly 17 miles into the Smokies
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Depth: With an average depth of 135 ft and plunging to 440 ft, it’s the deepest lake in North Carolina
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Elevation: Resting around 1,703 ft above sea level, it’s flanked by forested peaks and remote coves .
🏞️ A Rich History
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Built during WWII: Constructed between 1942–44, the towering 480 ft-high Fontana Dam was completed in November 1944 to generate hydroelectric power for the war effort
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Engineering marvel: It remains the highest dam east of the Rockies, stretching over 2,365 ft across
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Local legacy: The dam flooded towns like Fontana, Proctor, and Judson, and even today the Appalachian Trail crosses right along its crest
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Fontana Village: What began as a bustling construction town is now a charming mountain resort retreat
🚣 Water Adventures Await
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Located in Bryson City, NOC offers:
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Single & tandem kayak rentals
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Stand‑up paddleboards (SUP)
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Self-guided or guided eco-tours, perfect for waterfall spotting and wildlife observation—all from $35 for a 2-hour rental
Carolina Bound Adventures
At Almond Boat Park:
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SUP & kayak rentals — starting at $44 for 2 hours ($22 per additional hour)
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Friendly staff & gear included, ideal for beginners and families.
Fontana Lake Marina (Fontana Village)
Right by the dam:
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Pontoon boats, SUPs, kayaks, and guided historic lake tours aboard the Miss Hazel.
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Full marina amenities: fueling, slip rentals, bait shop—perfect for anglers and sunset cruisers
Almond Boat Park
Also in Almond:
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Offers scenic cruises, kayak and paddleboard rentals—call 828‑488‑6423
💡 Why Guests Love It
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Peaceful coves and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for fishing, wildlife spotting, or floating in solitude.
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Canoeing or paddling around quiet inlets gives access to remote Smoky Mountain trails, like Hazel Creek, offering a more secluded park experience
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The dam itself is an attraction—drive, walk, or hike across, and enjoy the visitor center and occasional “rooster-tail” water releases
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Nearby adventures: Take a scenic spin on Lakeview Drive, the historic and evocative “Road to Nowhere”
🏕️ Weekend Itinerary for Cabin Guests
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Morning: Fuel up with coffee in Bryson City.
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Mid-morning: Head to NOC or Carolina Bound for a 2‑hour kayak or SUP rental.
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Lunch: Picnic at Almond Boat Park or along the lake shore.
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Afternoon: Cruise on a pontoon from Fontana Lake Marina, enjoying scenic views and historic narration.
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Golden hour: Drive to the dam, soak in the dam-top view of lake & mountains.
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Evening: Back to your cozy cabin for a bonfire and starlit reflections.
Lake Fontana blends dramatic history, unforgettable engineering, and a serene natural playground—perfect for guests looking to unplug, explore, and create lifelong memories. Whether they’re paddling gentle waters, fishing off a pontoon, or marveling at the dam, it’s a standout feature to highlight on your rental site.
