Fontana Lake, Reservoir in western North Carolina, United States.
Fontana Lake stretches 27 kilometers through Graham and Swain counties, reaching depths of 130 meters within the Appalachian Mountains range.
The construction of Fontana Dam in the 1940s created this reservoir, submerging several mountain communities including Proctor and Judson beneath its waters.
The name Fontana originates from a former logging settlement established by Montvale Lumber Company at Eagle Creek, derived from the Italian word for spring.
North Carolina Highway 28 follows the southern shore, while boats provide access to remote hiking trails such as Hazel Creek during normal summer water levels.
The reservoir forms a natural border between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest, creating numerous island peaks at its eastern section.
Location: North Carolina
Elevation above the sea: 519 m
GPS coordinates: 35.45158,-83.78989
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:39
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