Float Your Boat

Fontana Lake And Dam

Fontana Lake has been called the best-kept secret in the North Carolina Mountains. The 29-mile long, 11,700-acre lake has more than 240 miles of shoreline, and more than 90% of the land around the lake is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the US Forest Service. This abundance of public land and unspoiled wilderness ensures pristine lake and mountain views for generations to come.

There are plenty of access points to explore Fontana Lake. Several public boat ramps are available for launching your own boat, paddleboard, or kayak, or you can reach out to a local outfitter and rent the equipment. For a full-service experience, visitors can utilize one of our knowledgeable guides who will arrange the entire trip for you including sunset cruises, fishing trips, camping trips and access to historic areas of the park like Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek, as well as the option to rent a pontoon boat from one of our local marinas. The Fingerlake Day Use Area is open during the summer months and includes a small park with picnic tables, public restrooms and a primitive swimming area. At 480 feet, the Fontana Dam impounds Fontana Lake and produces hydroelectric power. This engineering marvel has historical significance to the residents of Swain County. In response to an urgent need for electric power during World War II; many residents gave up their private land to the Federal Government for the creation of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trail crosses Fontana Dam, where visitors can walk or drive across the dam or stop by the visitor center from May through October.