[at-l] Fontana Village

[Trail Walker]

For anyone already thinking about an AT hike next spring, I found Fontana Village at the southern end of the Smokies a nice town stop before heading into the park. I know there have been some in the past that would say otherwise. I was there at the end of April this year (2006). There was a shuttle van that picked you up at either the marina or the dam visitor center; the lodge offered a discount on room rates to hikers (may only apply in the spring); there is a Post Office and laundry on site; the general store had a good variety of food items; and the outfitter store was fairly well stocked with backpacking supplies and foods with prices that didn't seem any higher than most places. The meals at the restaurant in the lodge were a bit high priced, but there is a grill in another building that was reasonable. The new owners were friendly and seemed very interested in making the Village a popular destination for hikers and other groups with different interests. The owners even picked up someone we had been hiking with earlier when they saw him walking along the road toward the Village. Fontana Village gets a thumbs-up in my book. As always, continue to support the businesses along the trail in a courteous manner and they will continue to welcome all the hikers that follow you.