Fontana Dam

[NitroSteel]

We are looking at hiking from Standing Indian Campground near Franklin to Fontana Dam in June. I've heard that there have been some road closings in the area that may affect the route we would take to get from one location to the other (have to take a detour).

Is this the case, or can I just use the standard directions given by my GPS? If so, what route do we take? Our "ride" will be spending the night in Robbinsville and picking us up at the dam early in the morning, then dropping us at Standing Indian. Will he be able to drive from there straight to the dam using the standard GPS directions?

I've been to Standing Indian many times, but I've never driven from Fontana Dam to there. Our initial "trip" will be a drive from South Georgia, can we just use GPS directions straight to the dam?

Hopefully these road closures are just rumors, but I thought it'd be best to ask before we head out. Thank you for your help.

NitroSteel

[BSF-Hiker]

I just now saw your post. If you haven't left yet, the only road closure in the area is US 129 from the TN/NC state line through Deal's Gap.

You can still go up 129 from Robbinsville and get on Hwy 28 to Fontana. You can't get through 129 towards Knoxville after you cross into TN on 129.

It is a few miles closer (and better road) to leave Robbinsville on Hwy143 over Stecoah Gap to Hwy 28, then head west to Fontana.

[Ox97GaMe]

The roads on the south side of the Smokies are now open. The only road still closed for rock slides is 129 (the Dragon) between Deels Gap and Maryville. That wont impact you.

As for the shuttle route, it is a bit easier to leave out of Franklin and take the East route up to Fontana via Bryson City. It will be 4 lane almost all the way; 64 to 441 to 74 to 28.