This loop takes you on the A.T. and up to Shuckstack Tower, where on a good day, you can see the world - 360 degrees of wilderness within the largest unbroken tract of mountain forest in the eastern U.S.

Then it goes down on Lost Cove Trail, on a railroad grade. You return to the trailhead on the Lake Shore Trail, where there are artifacts left by the residents before they moved out in 1943. The trailhead is the start of two trails – the A.T. on the left which is your starting trail and the Lake Shore Trail on which you’ll return.

Length: 11.7 miles
Altitude gain: 3,010 ft.

Map: Great Smoky Mountains National Park National Geographic Trails Illustrated # 229.

Trailhead: From the center of Robbinsville, take 143 East for 9.1 miles. At the NC 28 intersection, turn left (north) and drive 10.3 miles. Turn right at the Fontana Village sign. Stay on the road, cross the dam, bear right, and follow the road until the barrier. The Appalachian Trail starts on the left. It’s 2.4 miles from the turn at the Fontana sign to the trailhead.