Fontana Dam

Tooling around the Smokies for a short getaway, we’re always looking for new and exciting places to visit.

Today, our journey started just over halfway through Cades Cove. We turned right onto Forge Creek Rd., a gravel but wide drive, which took us to Parson Branch Rd.

Properly equipped with a 4WD with high clearance, we took off on this narrow dirt road through heavy woods and accompanied by a running stream almost the whole way.

The road was rather smooth to start but we ran into a few bumps and several water spillovers. The 8 mile drive felt like 24, but as the passenger, I didn’t mind!

The road dumped us right in the middle of the Tail of the Dragon…a twisty road full of sharp curves and switchbacks.

Gratefully, we happened on a road crew….which took the road to one lane so we could relax a bit and not worry about oncoming traffic for a few miles.

At the end of the “ride”, we veered left toward Fontana Village. We found ourselves at Quill’s Canteen for a late lunch. It was recently remodeled, not that we’d know as it was our first time in the area.

Lunch became our dinner as it was late in the afternoon. Hubs had a chicken wrap and I enjoyed some chicken strips. We also shared a pretzel which was bigger than my husband’s head! Basic food, but all good.

We decided to check out the dam, which formed Fontana Lake. In all my years of coming to GSM, I never realized this side of the mountains existed. Nor this lake!

I giggled as we walked up…a large TVA flag fluttered under the American flag. Wasn’t that the name of the Authority that Loki was forced to work for?

It even had the feels of stepping back into the 60s as we wandered around the site. Placards telling us of all the good the TVA was doing, bringing power to the area.

The moment of geek passed and we started to make our way back. It was now my turn behind the wheel. I was curved out, so I opted to head back to our rental by going through Cherokee and back through GSM. Still curves, but at least known and predictable.

Tomorrow, a little hiking to rope off our trip.