TRAVEL GUIDE TO BRYSON CITY AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKIES
Whether You Like Boating at a Leisurely Pace or With "Jets" You'll Feel Right at Home on Fontana Lake
Boating on Fontana Lake can mean enjoying a pontoon boat, ski boat, jon boat, canoe, kayak, jet ski or even taking a jet boat ride.
This 29-mile long, 11,700-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lake has more than 240 miles of shoreline. The north shore of the lake is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a portion of the remainder is within the Nantahala National Forest. This means only 10% of the shoreline is privately owned, assuring you of a relaxing vacation on the lake.
There are a number of private marinas where you can rent a boat, or put your own boat on the lake. You'll find knowledgeable staff, and plenty of boating and fishing supplies. Shuttle service is offered to Eagle Creek and Hazel Creek - two north shore locations where you can spend time fishing, hiking, exploring and camping in the National Park. For public access areas, see far right column.
Guides are available for fishing, and guided tours are available by pontoon or lake kayak.
If you want a fast mode of getting around the lake without doing the steering, take a ride on one of the 12-passenger jet boats - a unique trip suitable for all ages.
More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.
Fontana Lake Marinas, Boat Rentals and
Boating Activities in the Smoky Mountains
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Fontana Marina
300 Woods Rd.
Fontana Dam, NC 28733
Fontana Marina offers a full line of services for the enjoyment of Fontana Lake including watercraft rentals, free boat launch, a ship store, fishing tackle and license, lake tours and more. Shuttle services by pontoon boat are available for backcountry enthusiasts wishing to explore the southern rim of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fontana Guide Service
3336 Balltown Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
Be our guest on beautiful Fontana Lake. Relax and enjoy breath taking views, sunsets, waterfalls, rivers and wildlife from our spacious pontoon boat. Choose a half or full day trip of any kind, or customize your own. Fishing, Sightseeing, sunset, swimming, & Fall leaf trips available. Great for birthday parties, corporate groups, honeymooners, & families. We have something for every budget. Dogs welcome! HD photos & videos of your trip available upon request. Let us guide you on your one-of-a-kind Fontana Lake experience. Alarka Boat Dock
7230 Grassy Branch Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
Located in Swain County NC, Alarka Boat Dock is a one stop source for boat/pontoon put-in, Fontana Lake History Tours, fishing guides, and boat or pontoon rentals.
Dock—slips available for boats and pontoon storage. Fishing supplies, ice, bait, snacks, gas and oil, t-shirt and caps, also boat supplies.
Lake fishing and trout stream guides available upon request.
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats
22 Needmore Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
Almond Boat & RV Park
1165 Almond Boat Park Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
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Public Boat Access Areas
On Fontana Lake
Old 288 – From Bryson City. Take US 19 S to turn at SR 1323 (Slope St.; begins at bridge by Kerr Drugs). Travel Slope St. .2 miles and turn left at the blinking light onto SR 1321 (Bryson Walk). Bryson Walk becomes Old 288. Travel 1.6 miles and turn left to follow the river continuing on Old 288 Travel .8 miles to the area at the end of the road.
Lemmons Branch – From Bryson City take US 19/74 West to NC 28 N (right turn towards Robbinsville). Follow NC 28 about 3 miles to the sitn for the Tsali Recreation area. Turn right and follow signs to Lemmons Branch Boat Ramp.
Cable Cove – From Bryson City take US/74 West to NC 28 N (right turn ttowards Robbinsville). Continue on approximately 20 miles (8.2 past the 143 turnoff). Turn right onto SR 1287 (Cable Cove). Go 1.5 miles to the end of the road.
Flat Branch – From Bryson City take US 19 S to SR 1320. Turn right and go just .1 mile and turn right onto SR 1311 (Buckner Branch Road). Go 3.1 miles and turn right onto SR 1312 (Round Hill Rd.). Travel 2.8 miles and turn right onto SR 1313 (Greasy Branch Rd.). Travel 3.1 miles to area t the end of the road.
For more information about Fontana Lake, including a lake map with boat ramp and marina locations, visit the Fontana Lake page of this web siye.
Going Fishing?
For information about lake fishing, visit the Fishing page of this web site
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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax