![]() The matter of whether this road would be finished was batted around on a local, state and federal level until 2010 when it was decided that a payout would be made to Swain County, North Carolina instead of the road being completed. ![]() The construction of Lakeview Drive began in 1943 and though progress was slow it continued until 1972 when funding ran out and the construction halted. They were promised a road that would extend into the park and all the way to these areas that were cut off. The people that had been displaced from Judson and Proctor also needed a way to reach the cemeteries that were located inside the boundaries of the National Park. With the flooding of the towns of Judson and Proctor, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park needed a way for people visiting the park to get to the park side of Fontana Lake. This road was constructed shortly after Fontana Dam was constructed and Lake Fontana was formed. It is actually a configuration of trails developed from old manways, older existing trails, and roads. The Lakeshore Trail is one of the newer trails in the Park, extending along the south boundary for about 44 miles. Lakeshore and Tunnel Trails begin at the end of the parking area. “The Road to Nowhere” actually takes you to some nice hiking trails. Work on the road stopped in 1943 and was never continued. Lakeview Drive ends one mile beyond a viaduct at the mouth of a tunnel. The Noland Creek South Trail travels one mile to Fontana Lake, with one mile back to the parking area, whereas the North Trail meanders along the creek with forest and rushing creek views.ĭirections: From downtown Bryson City head north on Everett Street and continue on Fontana Road for about 2.5 miles until you reach the national park entrance called "Lakeview Drive." This scenic drive travels another six miles to the "Road to Nowhere Tunnel.This six-mile drive is also known as “the Road to Nowhere” and affords great views of Fontana Lake. These two trails offer epic creekside views and plenty of solitude. From the Lakeview Drive entrance, the first pull-off on the left is a scenic view known as "Fontana Lake Overlook." The next pull-off on your left is the parking area for the Noland Creek Trails North and South. Be sure to bring a flashlight on this adventure!Īlong the curvy road, you’ll see the scenic mountainside with occasional views of Lake Fontana. At the road’s end, a mile-long tunnel stretches under rock, which must be traversed on foot to reach hiking trails on the other side, including Noland Creek Trail, the Goldmine Loop, and Lakeshore Trails. A six-mile winding road weaves through the National Forest, with multiple scenic stops along the way to pull off and take in the view of Fontana Lake. Steeped in history, the Road to Nowhere is a scenic drive, hiking destination and monument to the past, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the most unique areas in Bryson City is found on Lakeview Drive in an area locally known as “The Road to Nowhere,” part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park After the construction of Fontana Dam flooded other access roads, a replacement highway was promised in the 1960s, However, construction was halted due to environmental issues, and the Road to Nowhere was born. Road to Nowhere Venture Into History on Lakeview Drive East
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