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Hiker Rated
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Map &
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The official southern end of Section 18 and the northern end of Section 19 are at the north (compass west) end of the dam. The northbound trail to Section 18 follows the paved road west. The southbound trail to section 19 crosses the dam to the Visitor Center and parking. See Mile 0.4 including the attached map. 12/21/09
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None at this point
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David Cullen
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From the intersection of US 129 and NC 28, follow the latter west for passing Fontana Village at 8.8 miles and reaching Fontana Dam Road at 10.5 mile. Go left on Fontana Dam Road for a little over a mile to the Visitor Center. The marker on the map in the previous listing indicates the entrance to the Visitors Center on the south (compass east) side of the dam.
Alternatively if coming from the east the intersection of Fontana Dam Road and NC 28 is 21.3 miles west of the place where NC 28 diverges from US 19/ 74 southwest of Bryson City. Go right on Fontana Dam Road.
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The northbound trail crosses the dam. The southbound trail continues south along paved Fontana Dam Road. 12/21/09 (revalidated in April 2023 by editor DA Thomas)
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Ample
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David Cullen
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There was a period where parking at the Visitor''s Center was ''sketchy'' due to catalytic converter thefts. Fortunately, the dumb thieves hit a few TVA vehicles which caused a swift reaction from the TVA. Surveillance camera were installed and live patrols were stepped-up. Nancy Hoch from the Hike Inn told me that there have been no new thefts since. 11/19/22
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fijlstra @ gmail.com
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From the intersection of Fontana Dam Road and NC 28, follow the former 0.7 miles. There is a parking lot on the right at the crest of a ridge. The marker on the attached map indicate the parking area.
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Note the 'road' going southeast from the parking lot on the road overlay on the map. This leads to the Fontana Dam Shelter, nicknamed the Fontana Hilton. Running water and restrooms are nearby and showers are available at the Visitor Center. From the parking lot the northbound trail goes north toward the dam along the road while the southbound trail goes south toward NC 28.. 08/11/14
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20-25
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David Cullen
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From the intersection of NC 28 and Fontana Dam Road, follow the latter a short distance to the entrance to the Fontana Lake Marina on the right. The marker on the attached map indicates the parking area.
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The southbound trail comes out of the woods to the north, crosses the marina grounds to the east of the parking area and reaches NC 28. 12/21/09 (revalidated in April 2023 by editor DA Thomas)
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Ample
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at @ rohland.org
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From the intersection of Fontana Dam Road and NC 28, follow the latter east about 0.3 miles to the trail crossing. Parking here would seem to be limited at best. See street view on attached map. Better parking is available at the nearby Fontana Lake Marina. See mile 1.7
If you are following NC 28 west this crossing will obviously be 0.3 miles before you get to the intersection with Fontana Dam Road. That would make it 21.0 miles from the point where NC 28 diverges from US 19/ 74.
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The marker on the attached map indicates the trail crossing. The southbound AT crosses the marina grounds and reaches NC 28. Rotate to the north on the street view on the map to see the trail as it reaches the highway. Part of the marina parking area can be seen through the trees. Rotate to the east to get the best view of the southbound trail. Note: The AT overlay on the map appears to be slightly off. 08/11/14
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Zero to very limited at crossing
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David Cullen
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From the intersection of Fontana Dam Road and NC 28, follow the latter southbound (compass southeast) for 7.0 miles then go right on NC 1242. Initially this is Upper Tuskeegee Road but somewhere changes its name to Yellow Creek Mountain Road. Go 2.9 miles to the trail crossing. According to the AT Guide to NC/GA there is a gravel parking lot nearby that can accommodate a few cars. This lot is not apparent in the satellite view on the attached map, but parking does seem to be available at the intersection with a forest service road and also further along the that road. I have not actually visited this point yet.
If coming from the east, the turnoff onto NC 1242 is 14.3 miles west of the point where NC 28 diverges from US 19/ 74 southwest of Bryson City. Turn left onto NC 1242.
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The marker on the attached map indicates the approximate location of the trail crossing. Apparently the Appalachian Trail overlay on the map is slightly off from the true position. At the crossing the northbound trail to Section 19 goes north (right if coming from NC 28) while the southbound trail to Section 20 goes south (left). 08/10/14 (revalidated April 2023)
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A few
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David Cullen
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