There are small towns and then there are Fontana Dam-size towns. According to the 2020 census, there were only 13 people living in the Western North Carolina mountain town, but that number can be a bit misleading. During a 1940s wartime population boom, it reached as high as 6,000, and today, Fontana welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year.
It was originally constructed as a community for workers building the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Fontana Dam—the tallest concrete dam east of the Mississippi, at 480 feet high—during World War II. Schools, a hospital, a post office, a library and ballfields sprang up after the Smoky Mountain village was established in 1942, but the town of Fontana Dam wasn’t incorporated until 2011. Today, the entire town is basically encompassed by the Fontana Village Resort, and what draws people is not the promise of jobs but a quaint mountain getaway and the allure of a few scenic trails.
Best Things to Do
One of the biggest draws to the area is the full-service marina on Fontana Lake. It offers watercraft rentals and equipment, including pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Those looking for less strenuous activities can take a scenic, guided cruise of the lake. A stocked trout pond is also located on property, with fishing poles for rent and night crawlers available for purchase.
In addition to watercraft equipment, Fontana Village Resort also offers mountain bike and e-bike rentals to use for exploring the property.
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is nearby, with 11 miles and 318 curves—a popular choice among bikers and car enthusiasts who make the drive year after year. Hikers on the Appalachian Trail also find Fontana to be a welcome respite on what can be an arduous journey. Fontana is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, too, making it ideal for active travelers.
Best Restaurants
The Fontana Village Resort has two restaurants and additional quick-bite options.
Hazel’s, located inside the main lodge, is an upscale dinner restaurant that’s open only on Fridays and Saturdays, offering gorgeous views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Quill’s Canteen is the resort’s counter-service dining option.
The Dam Garage Gas Station—located on Moonshiner 28, another must-visit Western North Carolina road—serves hot food and draft beer, plus it’s a popular spot for travelers wanting to refuel before hitting the trail.
Fontana’s conservation efforts, led by Brandon Jones, marina operator and harbormaster at Fontana Village Resort, are dedicated to ensuring that the Fontana that attracts visitors today will be protected for the next generation. In 2023, Jones won Public Lands Conservationist of the Year at the annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award ceremony for removing nearly a quarter-million pounds of trash from Fontana Lake with a team of volunteers over five years.
Best Hotels and Resorts
If you’re planning a visit to Fontana, chances are you’ll want to stay at Fontana Village Resort and Marina. In 2023, the resort was acquired by new owners who have since transformed the main lodge, guest rooms, and cabins. Now, the lodge features both rooms for families and solo travelers. Larger groups can rent two- to four-bedroom cabins. Tents, trailers, and RV camping are also available at the Fontana Campground on picturesque Cheoah Lake.
The resort features a multitude of outdoor activities, including tennis courts, mini golf, and more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Family-friendly arcade games and billiards are also available. A shuttle service is on offer for hikers as well.