Swain County: Fontana Lake, Hiking Trails, and History

Swain County combines the landscapes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Fontana Lake, historic trails, and impressive insights into the region’s past. The national park is partly located in the county and covers a large portion of its area. The Appalachian Trail also runs through Swain County and is accessible at several points, including within the national park.

Fontana Lake and Trails Through the Landscape

One notable scenic route is Lakeview Drive. The paved out-and-back route begins in Bryson City, is 11.4 miles long, and offers four overlooks with views of Fontana Lake. At the end, there is a 1,200-foot-long, unlit tunnel open exclusively to pedestrians. Lakeview Drive also highlights the early history of mountain residents and logging in Swain County.

Several different types of activities are available around Fontana Lake. Tsali Recreation Area offers mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking, and camping just steps from the lake. Goldmine Loop is a 3-mile circular hike with views of Fontana Lake; a 365-foot-long paved tunnel leads to its access point. Those looking for a shorter route by the water can include Noland Creek South in their plans. This trail follows Noland Creek for 1 mile to Fontana Lake.

Hikes for Different Day Plans

Swain County is well suited to a trip where every day does not have to look the same. Juney Whank Trail is a 0.6-mile loop with a waterfall experience. The upper and lower sections of Juney Whank Falls plunge a combined 90 feet through the forest. The Noland Creek to Spring House Junction trail, by contrast, is designed as an out-and-back hike and follows Noland Creek. Along the way, it passes through open meadows and former agricultural clearings.

Other trails focus on different experiences. Noland Creek Trail follows an old service road with a moderate incline and can be used for horseback riding. Noland Divide Trail is designated for both horseback riders and hikers. Nantahala Bikeway follows a former railroad line through the scenic Nantahala Valley. It is an approximately 1.2-mile-long, paved one-way trail with only slight inclines. These differences can help you choose a vacation rental based on whether you are looking for short waterfall trails, longer outings, or routes connected to the area’s former transportation and settlement history.

History and Excursions from Bryson City

The Swain County Heritage Museum presents the history of the county and its residents through photographs, exhibits, and videos. It is located in the historic 1908 courthouse in downtown Bryson City. Exhibits include a restored log cabin porch, an 1887 church organ, and school desks from a one-room schoolhouse. Admission to the museum is free; donations are accepted.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot is also located in the heart of Bryson City. From there, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a four-and-a-half-hour round trip covering 44 miles to Nantahala Gorge and back to the depot in Bryson City. Those who want to combine nature experiences with regional history and a planned excursion can therefore choose accommodation that suits their personal day plan, without trying to fit all activities into a single day.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also view Bryson City and Cherokee. Other destinations to compare include Clay County, Caldwell County, Chowan County, Mcdowell, Carteret County, and Gaston County.

For the higher-level trip overview: North Carolina.