Fontana Lake & Dam
Deep mountain reservoir — dam, boat-in culture & quiet shores
🚗 2–2½ hours from Johnson City · ~110 miles · Johnson City via I-40 W toward Bryson City, NC-28 north
Best season: Apr–Oct boating; dam tours seasonal
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Fontana Lake, NC. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Fontana Dam is a Depression-era engineering monument — 480 feet high — with a lake stretching into remote coves only reachable by boat.
Less carnival than Gatlinburg; more for people who want water, trout fishing, or a lodge night (optional) than mini-golf.
Highlights
- Fontana Dam overlook & visitor center
- Fontana Lake boating & houseboat culture
- Road to Nowhere tunnel (nearby history)
- Trout fishing in tailwaters
Sample one-day itinerary
Walk top of dam when open; visitor center film.
Rent boat or fish shore if no vessel.
Short detour for tunnel photo; return via Bryson City.
Know before you go
- Lake coves remote — bring fuel and provisions.
- See Bryson City guide for train option same corridor.
- Cell service spotty on lake.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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