North Carolina route stop · Tail of the Dragon
Fontana Dam
the tallest dam in the eastern U.S., a short detour
Featured driveTail of the Dragon
StateNorth Carolina
Drive length~11 miles
Trip timehalf day
Fontana Dam is one of the places Roamward flags on the Tail of the Dragon because it gives the drive its texture: the tallest dam in the eastern U.S., a short detour. Use it as a planned pull-over instead of letting the route become a blur between towns.
How it fits the drive
The Tail of the Dragon runs Deals Gap, NC → Tabcat, TN. 318 curves in 11 miles.
Nearby route stops
- The 318 curves — the relentless switchback run itself (Tail of the Dragon)
- Cherohala Skyway — a high, scenic 43-mile companion drive (Tail of the Dragon)
Conditions, access, parking, fees, weather, and seasonal closures can change quickly on scenic routes. Check the managing agency or local visitor information before committing to a side stop.
Build a trip around Tail of the Dragon stops like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: