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

• Size & Depth: Spanning approximately 10,230 acres with 238 miles of meandering shoreline, Lake Fontana stretches nearly 17 miles into the Smokies

• Depth: With an average depth of 135 ft and plunging to 440 ft, it’s the deepest lake in North Carolina

• Elevation: Resting around 1,703 ft above sea level, it’s flanked by forested peaks and remote coves .

🏞️ A Rich History

• 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

• Engineering marvel: It remains the highest dam east of the Rockies, stretching over 2,365 ft across

• Local legacy: The dam flooded towns like Fontana, Proctor, and Judson, and even today the Appalachian Trail crosses right along its crest

• 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:

• Single & tandem kayak rentals

• Stand‑up paddleboards (SUP)

• 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:

• SUP & kayak rentals — starting at $44 for 2 hours ($22 per additional hour)

• Friendly staff & gear included, ideal for beginners and families.

Fontana Lake Marina (Fontana Village)

Right by the dam:

• Pontoon boats, SUPs, kayaks, and guided historic lake tours aboard the Miss Hazel.

• Full marina amenities: fueling, slip rentals, bait shop—perfect for anglers and sunset cruisers

Almond Boat Park

Also in Almond:

• Offers scenic cruises, kayak and paddleboard rentals—call 828‑488‑6423

💡 Why Guests Love It

• Peaceful coves and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for fishing, wildlife spotting, or floating in solitude.

• Canoeing or paddling around quiet inlets gives access to remote Smoky Mountain trails, like Hazel Creek, offering a more secluded park experience

• The dam itself is an attraction—drive, walk, or hike across, and enjoy the visitor center and occasional “rooster-tail” water releases

• Nearby adventures: Take a scenic spin on Lakeview Drive, the historic and evocative “Road to Nowhere”

🏕️ Weekend Itinerary for Cabin Guests

1. Morning: Fuel up with coffee in Bryson City.

2. Mid-morning: Head to NOC or Carolina Bound for a 2‑hour kayak or SUP rental.

3. Lunch: Picnic at Almond Boat Park or along the lake shore.

4. Afternoon: Cruise on a pontoon from Fontana Lake Marina, enjoying scenic views and historic narration.

5. Golden hour: Drive to the dam, soak in the dam-top view of lake & mountains.

6. 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.