Fontana Lake

Fontana is the largest lake in Western NC encompassing over 10,000 acres and 238 miles of shoreline. It’s natural beauty is preserved & protected by the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Nantahala National Forest.

FULL PADDLE GUIDE COMING SOON

SUP Asheville Paddleboarding Fontana Lake

Know Before You Go:

Distance from Asheville: 67 to 91 Miles (~1 Hr 10 Min – ~1 Hr 40 Min)
Lake Size: 10,230 Acres
Access Fee: No Fee
# of Public Access Points: 5 Access Points
Allows Motorized Boats: Yes, Motorized Boats Are Allowed
Parking Availability: Parking Available Near Access Points
Facilities Available: Varies by Access Point

Suggested Paddle Trip:

Fontana Dam to Campsite 87 to Campsite 86 To Cable Cove

Trip Length: ~11 Miles (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Experience the wild beauty of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains on this 3-day, 2-night paddle adventure.

Start at the Fontana Dam Visitor Center (overnight parking pass required) and spend your first night at Campsite 87 (Jerry Hollow), just a short paddle from the dam. On day two, paddle about 6 miles to Campsite 86 in the historic ghost town of Proctor, where you can explore old ruins and enjoy the quiet forest. Your final day is a scenic 4-mile paddle to the Cable Cove Boat Launch, where your second car awaits.

Both campsites require advance reservations and backcountry permits. For a loop option, you can paddle back to Fontana Dam instead of finishing at Cable Cove. This trip offers a unique mix of paddling, camping, and history in the heart of the Smokies.


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SUP Asheville provides these paddleboard guides for informational purposes only. Waterway conditions, access, and regulations may change at any time. SUP Asheville is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from use of these guides. Please verify all information independently and paddle at your own risk. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means SUP Asheville may earn a commission if you make a purchase or sign up through these links, at no additional cost to you. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence our recommendations or content.