Bryson City’s infamous Road to Nowhere is both parts triumph and tragedy. In the early part of the 20th-Century the federal government, looking to provide local power and establish a much needed water reservoir, displaced hundreds of people from their homes to create Fontana Lake (and eventually Fontana Dam). The project also meant the only means of local through traffic, Hwy 288, would end up under water. This passage was important for access to old family cemeteries so the government started work on Lakeview Drive as a compromise route. Unfortunately the project was halted for environmental reasons and never was completed. The Park Service eventually established a ferry service to-and-from the cemetery and the federal government compensated Swain County in the amount of $52 million in lieu of completing the road.
To access the Road to Nowhere, head to the far north end of Everett Street, on your way out of downtown Bryson City, where the road becomes Fontana Road. After winding its way around slow curves for about 3 miles (4.8km) you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it turns into Lakeview Drive. Go another 3 miles (4.8km) and you’ll see a parking area on your right. The tunnel is about a footballs field away up the road.
The tunnel itself is about a quarter-mile in length. Unfortunately taggers have defaced much of the inside of both ends and you need to watch your step inside as passing through horses have been known to leave gifts behind and, while the ends are visible much of the middle is pitch black. On the far end you could continue through to a few trails like the Goldmine Loop and Lakeshore Trail. You can also pretty easily scamper up to the top of the tunnel opening for a nice view down or a memorable shot sitting atop the tunnel. Don’t forget to enjoy the great echo effects on your return trip down the tunnel.
As great as the tunnel is the real thrill of this journey are the lookouts you can stop by on the way back to Bryson City. There is the official Fontana Lake Overview but also several other spots where you can pull over and get an amazing view of the lake and all of the surrounding mountains. If you are there in the morning you’ll most likely either have a view obscured by low hanging clouds or no view at all. A clear afternoon is the best time as the hills are lit up with sun.
Do you have any favorite quirky roadside attractions? We’d love to hear all about them!
I loved reading about your experience in Bryson City, NC. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
Thank you so much. The train ride alone makes the visit worthwhile. Happy travels to you as well!
Wonderful piece of history to see! Never had heard the story, thanks for telling us on your site. Great views also!
Thank you for the feedback! There are so many little local stories in every state. This one was definitely unusual . . . the tunnel is very cool!