Between Wesser and Lauada on US-74 (see
also: Nantahala Gorge) is the intersection of
NC-28. Following this route east takes you through Almond, past Fontana Lake and Fontana
Village, then a final stretch on the north side of the Little Tennessee River to the
intersection with US-129 at the Tennessee State Line (just east of Tapoco).
Fontana Lake is the largest of the Tennessee
Valley Authority impoundments. Completed in 1945, it was then the fourth highest
hydroelectric power dam in the world (and is still the highest in the eastern USA).
You can put
this route together with the Santeetlah Lake route and the section of the Nantahala Gorge route which allows you to make a nice loop through some of the
most scenic mountain land in the United States. Driving time for the entire loop
(depending upon pauses to enjoy the scenery) is about 2 to 2½ hours.
