Outdoor Fun

Hiking 

Step away from the ordinary. Fontana Village Resort features miles and miles of hiking trails taking you into some of the most pristine and beautiful forest area anywhere. Whether you prefer to hike near the village, or take the Appalachian Trail all the way to Maine, there is something for everyone.

Biking

Fontana hosts two major mountain bike events throughout the year. The Icycle in January and the SERC sanctioned Dam Jam in August. You can ride the same trails the pros do the rest of the year. So bring your helmet and pads and get out there yourself and put the Mountain back in Mountain Biking.

On the Water

The Fontana Village Marina is just minutes from the Resort Center. There you can explore the 33 mile long Fontana lake which is bordered on the north shore by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Create your own memoies by getting out on water for a day. Fontana has a complimentary boat launch located right at the marina and there is another launch just minutes from the resort on the Cheoah River. If you prefer, schedule a day of guided fishing on any of the area waterways, whether it is for a day of exciting bass and walleye fishing on Fontana Lake or memorable afternoon of flyfishing on a mountain creek. Among the many surprises that await you are some of the best trout and flyfishing to be found anywhere. Bald Eagles soaring, geocaching, rafting, lake fishing, sun bathing are just some of the experiences to be found on Fontana Lake.

Rafting

Nantahala River

The shimmering Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting through mild but exciting rapids. Nantahala rafting features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. This is one of America’s most popular whitewater runs, so expect to see other paddlers playing in the waves. Fontana has partnered with Nantahala Outdoor Center this year for all of your rafting needs. The Nantahala River gorge is world renowned for its family friendly rafting adventures. For more information about all that's available on the Nantahala visit the NOC Nantahala River Website.

Cheoah River

For the more experienced rafter, The Cheoah River challenges whitewater rafters with hydraulics, wave trains and nine miles of exciting paddling. Unique in its features, it is at once a classic, steep Southern creek, then suddenly a warm, wavy ride, similar to big rivers out West. Rafting the Cheoah River is the perfect challenge for our most adventurous guests. The Cheoah River offers several scheduled release dates for 2010.

April 10, 24

May 8, 22, 23

June 26, 27

September 18

October 2

For more information about the Cheoah adventure, visit the NOC Cheoah River Website.

Horseback Riding In The Smokies

Enjoy back country horseback tours with experienced guides at the Fontana Village Stables. Reservations suggested. Unique educational classes on horse care-taking.  Come see our adopted pony.

On the Greens

Have you tried Disc Golf yet? Go ahead and try something truly new and exciting on Fontana's very own disc golf course. This beautiful layout was conceived and installed in the summer of 2007 by Pat Farrell, of DiscConcepts.  The ability to rent a gas-powered golf cart allows players to focus all of their energy on throwing disc, and comes in handy given the moderate to significant elevation gain/loss on the course.  This unique characteristic allows for as many rounds as your noodle-arm can handle. For more information including course layout, scorecards and upcoming tournaments, visit the disc golf website at: Fontanadiscgolf.com

If you prefer a more traditional round of golf there are several great courses within a short scenic drive of the resort,

Cherokee Hills Golf Course
Murphy, NC 28906
(800) 334-3905

Smoky Mountains Golf Club
Whittier, NC
(828) 497-4653

Maggie Valley Club
Maggie Valley, NC
(866) 659-4725

Mill Creek Resort & Country Club
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-4653