Fontana Dam is not just another quiet mountain town in Western North Carolina. According to the 2020 census, it reported only 13 full-time residents, making it one of the smallest incorporated towns in the state. Despite its tiny size, the community carries a legacy tied to one of the most significant engineering projects of the 20th century. Today, it combines historical significance with outdoor adventure, drawing thousands of seasonal visitors who come to experience its charm, history, and mountain setting.
The town's story began during World War II when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) undertook an ambitious plan to build a dam on the Little Tennessee River. Construction began in 1942, and the result was Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. At its peak, the project required nearly 7,000 workers and their families, transforming the isolated area into a bustling wartime community.
Because of its remoteness, TVA built everything necessary for a functioning town: more than 1,000 housing units, dormitories, a hospital, a school, and recreational facilities. For many workers, the community offered a self-contained world while they labored on a project critical to the war effort.
The dam was completed in 1944, helping generate electricity needed for wartime industries, including those linked to the Manhattan Project. Once the construction workforce departed, TVA converted the settlement into a vacation destination, known today as Fontana Village Resort. In 2011, decades after it had already been functioning as a town, Fontana Dam was officially incorporated.
Although fewer than 20 people live there year-round, the population expands dramatically during the summer season. With visitors, resort staff, and Appalachian Trail hikers passing through, the number can easily rise above a thousand on a busy day.
The setting offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. More than 20 miles of trails wind through the surrounding forests, providing opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. A section of the Appalachian Trail crosses the dam, making it a popular rest stop for long-distance hikers. The town's post office has become known as a waypoint where trekkers pick up resupply packages before continuing their journey.
Fontana Lake, with 240 miles of shoreline, is another major draw. The marina is a hub for recreation, offering boat rentals ranging from pontoons to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Anglers can try their luck fishing for bass or spend time at the on-site trout pond. For those who prefer something more leisurely, lounging by the resort pool or gathering at firepits in the evening offers a slower pace.
Thrill-seekers aren't left out either. Just a short drive from town lies the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of road famous worldwide for its 318 curves. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock to the route for its challenging, adrenaline-filled ride.
Though Fontana Dam does not have traditional small-town staples like a bank, a barbershop, or a doctor's office, visitors are well-fed. Quill's, a casual restaurant, specializes in Appalachian-inspired comfort food. Trout -- a regional favorite -- is featured prominently on the menu in dishes ranging from smoked trout dip to crispy fried bites. Pizzas and burgers also make an appearance, with locals joking that they are dam good.
Hazel's, the resort's more upscale dining choice, is reopening after renovations. Located in the main lodge, it offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a favorite for sunsets paired with seasonal, locally inspired meals.
Even the gas station doubles as a surprise attraction. Beyond typical road-trip snacks, it serves sandwiches and burgers and even has craft beer on tap from Boojum Brewing Company, a nearby brewery in Waynesville.
Lodging options are varied, catering to different types of travelers. The historic main lodge, built during the TVA days, remains central to the resort. Cabins -- some dating back to the 1940s but renovated in recent years -- provide rustic yet comfortable accommodations. Guests can choose from one-bedroom cottages for couples to larger four-bedroom options for families and groups. For those who prefer outdoor stays, a campground welcomes both tents and RVs.
In 2023, new ownership began modernizing the resort while preserving its nostalgic character. Renovated cabins feature mountain-inspired décor with warm wood tones and plaid accents, striking a balance between past and present.
Fontana Dam might be small in population, but it stands tall in terms of history and experience. Its roots in wartime industry, combined with its transformation into a family-friendly mountain getaway, make it a destination unlike any other.
Whether visitors are looking for outdoor adventure, a relaxing weekend retreat, or a brush with Appalachian Trail culture, the town offers all of it in one compact but captivating package. Nestled against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounded by national forests, Fontana Dam proves that even the smallest towns can carry the biggest stories.