Cheoah Dam

Cheoah Dam is a hydroelectric power station spanning 229 meters across the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina, built from reinforced concrete to store water and generate electricity. The structure controls water flow and creates a large reservoir that extends several miles upstream.

Construction of this power station was completed in 1919, marking a major engineering achievement when it became the world's highest overflow dam at the time. This accomplishment demonstrated advanced dam-building techniques and played a crucial role in developing the region's electrical infrastructure.

The dam became widely known through its starring role in the 1993 film The Fugitive, where an actor performs a dramatic jump from the structure. This movie moment turned the site into a destination for fans seeking to see where that famous scene was filmed.

You can reach this power station by local roads through Graham County, with parking and viewing areas near the structure itself. The lake formed behind it offers fishing and camping spots if you plan ahead and check which areas are open to visitors.

Beyond its film fame, the lake behind the dam holds a surprising depth and supports multiple fish species adapted to these waters. The reservoir spans several miles and has become an important habitat for freshwater fish populations in the region.

Location: Graham County

Inception: 1916

Elevation above the sea: 389 m

Length: 229 m

GPS coordinates: 35.44810,-83.93640

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27