Fontana to Shuckstack

**Chif** · 06-05-2009, 10:25

My family is going to vacation at Fontana for a few days this summer. How difficult is the hike to Shuckstack tower and back to Fontana? I am planning to make the hike with my 13 year old daughter. Also, is there a good shuttle dropoff point 8-10 miles south of Fontana for a hike back to the Lodge. Thanks.

**Hikes in Rain** · 06-05-2009, 10:29

The climb isn't all that steep, but it's unrelenting! For a shuttle, try the folks at the Hike Inn. While I've never personally met them, they have a great reputation here.

**Montana** · 06-05-2009, 11:26

It is a long climb, but it should be easier with only day packs. The view from the top of the tower is well worth the climb.

I'll second the Hike Inn recommendation. I stayed there last year while thru-hiking the BMT, and I found both Jeff and Nancy to be extremely nice folk.

-Hare

**Mocs123** · 06-05-2009, 12:18

There is a road crossing at SR1242 at Yellow Creek Gap 8.2 miles south from Fontana Dam. There is also a crossing at NC143 at Stecoach Gap 15.8 miles south of Fontana

**hikingshoes** · 06-05-2009, 12:22

Ill be hiking from Fontana Dam to campsite#113 which is about 5.9miles one way.just doing a overnighter then heading to MT.

**Plodderman** · 06-05-2009, 12:45

It is a climb but should be better with light gear. It does go up the whole way.

**Chif** · 06-05-2009, 14:06

Thanks. I will be carrying my full pack as part of my shakedown for a section hike in Ga. in September but my daughter will only have a light daypack. Yellow Creek gap sounds like the best choice. I was planning to get a shuttle from Hazel Creek outfitters at Fontana Village since that is where we are staying. Have any of you dealt with them before?

**Blissful** · 06-05-2009, 19:49

It's good climb but in good weather, go for it. View is great.

**Lone Wolf** · 06-05-2009, 19:51

Originally Posted by Chif

My family is going to vacation at Fontana for a few days this summer. How difficult is the hike to Shuckstack tower and back to Fontana? I am planning to make the hike with my 13 year old daughter. Also, is there a good shuttle dropoff point 8-10 miles south of Fontana for a hike back to the Lodge. Thanks.

it's an easy hike

**Marta** · 06-06-2009, 06:04

A fun shuttle would be to take a boat from the Fontana Marina to campsite #86 (I think), then hike back along the Lakeshore Trail.

**Ox97GaMe** · 06-08-2009, 10:02

I second the boat trip suggestion. There are several campsites along the Lakeshore Trail that are accessible by boat.

There is one campsite that is on an island and ONLY accessible by boat. If you could get round trip transportation arranged, it would a great place to camp out for one night.

**SawnieRobertson** · 06-08-2009, 10:10

Originally Posted by Chif

Thanks. I will be carrying my full pack as part of my shakedown for a section hike in Ga. in September but my daughter will only have a light daypack. Yellow Creek gap sounds like the best choice. I was planning to get a shuttle from Hazel Creek outfitters at Fontana Village since that is where we are staying. Have any of you dealt with them before?

Make sure that her day pack has plenty of extra space for you to "share" some of your load when you watch her dance to your trudge up that mountain. It's hard to keep up with a 12 year old. She may need weighing down. But what fun, and be sure to have a camera along with lots of shots available.--Kinnickinic

**Dogwood** · 06-08-2009, 10:21

I'll also recommend the boat from Fontana Marina over to one of the campsites along the Lakeshore Trl to Shuckstack and back across Fontana dam for a possibly 2 day trip with the family. Eagle Creek area has some sweet and scenic campsites with trout fishing along the Eagle Ck. If you go this way you will be heading down the switchbacks from Shuckstack firetower. I think the firetower is still there and is open to provide for some great views from on top.

**quietly** · 06-09-2009, 11:30

Originally Posted by Marta

A fun shuttle would be to take a boat from the Fontana Marina to campsite #86 (I think), then hike back along the Lakeshore Trail.

That is a wonderful hike! Just ask the folks at the marina to drop you at Hazel Creek, then follow Lakeshore out to the dam. Great sights, and a lot of history there.

**quietly** · 06-09-2009, 11:38

Originally Posted by Dogwood

I think the firetower is still there and is open to provide for some great views from on top.

It was a year or so ago. Now if only I had the courage to climb it - swaying heights freak me out

. I made it part way up, the views were incredible, I highly recommend it!

**TIDE-HSV** · 06-09-2009, 16:22

Saw one of the neatest things I've ever seen from that tower. It had rained like hell, and the clouds and ground fog were below us and the sun was out above. We looked down and saw a circular rainbow, with a shadow of the tower in the middle. It's called a "glory."

**Chif** · 06-12-2009, 10:02

I have read about various problems with the tower. Is it still open and safe to climb? Has anyone climbed it recently?

**Engine** · 06-12-2009, 10:14

Originally Posted by Chif

I have read about various problems with the tower. Is it still open and safe to climb? Has anyone climbed it recently?

Last month there were two thru hikers in it when I was at the bottom and I saw them later in the day so they must have survived the experience.

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