Best place to park at Fontana Dam, NC

[Trail Bug]

We plan to leave a car on southern end of SMNP for a few days and hike to Newfound Gap US 441. Using the A.T. Guide I see two choices for leaving a car at Fontana.

1. NC 28 Fontana 28 AT crossing.
2. Dam visitor center.

Of the two which would be the better choice? Not familiar with the area. Thanks in advance.

Trail Bug

[Rasty]

Park at the visitor center.

[Six-Six]

Park at the visitor center on the upper level. The visitor center staff say your car is more visible there from the road than if you park in the lower level closer to the center. Been there, done that.

[Trail Bug]

Thanks for the info.