The Fontana Dam, built in 1941 above the Little Tennessee River in western North Carolina, is the tallest dam in the eastern United States. The main purpose of the dam was to create electricity for ALCOA, the former owner of the land on which dam was built. ALCOA was producing aluminum for ships, aircraft and munitions for the war effort. As a consequence, many small towns, villages and homesteads were flooded by the newly created Fontana Lake. To assuage displaced communities, the plan was to build a road from Bryson City to Deals Gap along the river, to allow people to travel and to provide access to their ancestral lands and cemeteries. Since then, only a small, seven miles long, section, was built, leading to nowhere. The locals call it The Road To Nowhere—a broken promise.
Lakeview Drive East, Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713
Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.