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  1. #1

    Default Parking at Fontana Dam

    I am looking to leave my car there and hike from NOC. Any pointers? Thank you!

  2. #2
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    you can leave a note on the dash - no safer parking on the AT as it is a homeland security protected facility

  3. #3
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    do not leave a note in the car.......

    while it is patrolled on a regular basis----dont give away your intentions....

    a good thief can be in a car in seconds after the law rolls by.....

    also----there is different parking areas all over that road...

    one can park in the area of the marina-----or at the visitors center-----or at the end of the road where the AT and Lakeshore trailheads are..........
    or any pull off along the way...

    the visitors center has a few spots marked off for backpackers and hikers...........

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by TNhiker View Post
    do not leave a note in the car.......

    while it is patrolled on a regular basis----dont give away your intentions....

    a good thief can be in a car in seconds after the law rolls by.....

    also----there is different parking areas all over that road...

    one can park in the area of the marina-----or at the visitors center-----or at the end of the road where the AT and Lakeshore trailheads are..........
    or any pull off along the way...

    the visitors center has a few spots marked off for backpackers and hikers...........
    video surveillance, on site security, few routes for egress - again the safest parking on the AT - certainly a note is not essential, video will show your pack ect.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by George View Post
    video surveillance, on site security, few routes for egress - again the safest parking on the AT - certainly a note is not essential, video will show your pack ect.



    those are not fail safes though....

    after all, lots of stores have video surveillance and security and they still get robbed.....

    it is certainly one of the safest places to park around the Park but that isnt always a guarantee.....

    TVA police is not always around there and it only takes a few seconds to get into a car...

    leaving a note in a car is not recommended by NPS either...


    https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/bc-safety.htm



    but hey, YMMV.........

    i prefer to not leave a chance like that......

  6. #6
    GSMNP 900 Miler rmitchell's Avatar
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    I have parked at Fontana on several occasions and never had an issue. Last time the circle at the visitor center was full of Crysler Crossfires, so I parked in the lot across the retaining wall overlooking the visitor center.

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