ctechbob
Well-known member
I've known about this place for a while now and finally got the chance to go see it. Don't ask my why unfinished/disused roadways interest me, but I find them intriguing, especially when they have a tunnel on them you can walk through. It is a short walk to the tunnel and less than 1/4 mile through to the western portal.
It is a very pretty drive with views of Fontana Lake in spots. Like it or not, the Fed has just spent a ton of money repaving and lining the route with new guardrails, so in addition to being pretty, the road is in great shape. If you are into hiking, there is a 35 mile trail that follows the intended route of the road all the way to Fontana Dam.
I won't repeat the history here as the Wikipedia article is well done and full of information, so on to the pictures.
en.wikipedia.org
maps.app.goo.gl
View of the tunnel from the parking lot.
Eastern Portal
Western Portal. It is pretty easy to walk up to the top of the stonework if you choose.
My 3 girls (Wife/Daughter/Doggo) for scale.
It is a very pretty drive with views of Fontana Lake in spots. Like it or not, the Fed has just spent a ton of money repaving and lining the route with new guardrails, so in addition to being pretty, the road is in great shape. If you are into hiking, there is a 35 mile trail that follows the intended route of the road all the way to Fontana Dam.
I won't repeat the history here as the Wikipedia article is well done and full of information, so on to the pictures.
Lakeview Drive - Wikipedia
35°27'32.2"N 83°32'16.3"W
maps.app.goo.gl
View of the tunnel from the parking lot.
Eastern Portal
Western Portal. It is pretty easy to walk up to the top of the stonework if you choose.
My 3 girls (Wife/Daughter/Doggo) for scale.
