Scenic drives are some of the best activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only does it cost nothing to drive through, but you’ll be able to see incredible scenery from the comfort of your own vehicle; plus, learn some interesting facts and history about the area! If you’re exploring the NC side of the Smokies, a route a lot of people don’t know about is Lakeview Drive, The Road to Nowhere in North Carolina:
History of Lakeview Drive
Lakeview Drive is located in Swain County, North Carolina. When Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in the 1930s, the people who lived in the area were forced to relocate. In 1942, the Fontana Dam was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The structure provided electricity for the top-secret Manhattan Project based in Oak Ridge, TN. The dam was completed in 1945, which caused the Little Tennessee River to flood and create Fontana Lake, an area previously inhabited by over 1,000 residents!
When the land was incorporated into GSMNP, there were plans to construct Lakeview Drive along the north shore of Fontana Lake. This improvement would help residents by making it easy to access important community elements, such as cemeteries. Construction began in the 1960s but had to be halted in 1972 due to environmental concerns. The project was never completed, which is why Lakeview Drive is now known as “The Road to Nowhere.”
How to Find The Road to Nowhere
Today, Lakeview Drive is an 11.4-mile round-trip scenic drive. Visitors can access The Road to Nowhere in North Carolina from the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum in downtown Bryson City. From here, follow Everett Street north and continue on Fontana Road for about 2.5 miles, where you’ll find the Lakeview Drive entrance.
As you drive along the road, think about what life was like for the past residents. There were most likely a lot of homes, farms, and churches. Since the road is part of the Smokies, you may have the opportunity to spot wildlife as well, such as black bears, deer, and even elk. Look closely out your window, as some animals may be peeking out of the thick brush. The road ends at a tunnel that is 1,200 feet long.
Ways to Make the Most of this Scenic Drive
While cruising along Lakeview Drive, stop at some of the pull-offs along the way. One of them is the Fontana Lake Overlook. The waters of the emerald blue lake weave around the peaks of the Smoky Mountains. There is also a picnic table here, which is an excellent place to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch!
The road also provides access to some hiking trails, including Lakeshore Trail and Goldmine Loop Trail. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and turn back or continue all the way around Fontana Lake. While you don’t need a Smoky Mountain parking tag for a scenic drive, you do need one if you park your vehicle for more than 15 minutes!
Other Great Places in the NC Smokies
Now you know all about Lakeview Drive and The Road to Nowhere in North Carolina! We would love to tell you about other places to explore nearby; read more about the peaceful side of the Smokies!
