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Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter -- AT trail shelter

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter in the Nantahala National Forest is surrounded by forested terrain with trails and natural landscapes. Temperatures in this area can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, campers can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

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Location

Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter -- AT trail shelter is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.44849025 N
83.79398028 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    Verizon
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2019

Appalachian Trail Trail Shelter with Charging Station and Tent Sites

Near Fontana Dam and along the Appalachian Trail, there is the most modern trail shelter that I have ever seen.  I have stayed at a few trail shelters, but this is the first one I have seen that has a solar charging station for electronic devices.  There is a reason it is called the “Fontana Hilton.”  I had been to this shelter before in years past, and it was much more rustic.  Now it is clean and modern.   Although mainly for through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, the road to Fontana Dam runs beside it, and there is a parking lot close to the camping area.  You don’t have to worry about road noise at night, however, because the road ends at Fontana Dam less than half a mile down the road.  I use the term “camping area” because there are also tent pads close to the trail shelter, so you can choose to stay in the shelter or sleep in a tent.  I preferred to stay in a tent.  Also unlike the other trail shelters where I have stayed, this one has a bath house, complete with running water, flush toilets, and hot showers.  Next to the trail shelter, there is a gathering area with picnic tables, a place to hang your lantern, and a fire pit.  I got a chance to meet some other campers—most of them were thru-hikers.  It was interesting to see what gear they were using.  I was curious and asked, and as I suspected, a couple of them were using alcohol stoves because of their light weight.  Among other things about this camping area, you are beside Fontana Lake, so the view is pretty special, especially at night when the moon reflects over the water.  When you are not at the camping area, you can go to the dam and visitors center.  Being the highest dam east of the Mississippi River, seeing the dam with your own eyes is pretty awesome.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter -- AT trail shelter by Myron C., June 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter -- AT trail shelter by Myron C., June 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Fontana Hilton Trail Shelter -- AT trail shelter by Myron C., June 8, 2019
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at the Fontana Dam shelter?

The Fontana Dam shelter stands out as one of the most modern trail shelters on the Appalachian Trail. It features a solar charging station for electronic devices, which is quite rare for trail shelters. The facility is notably well-maintained and offers more creature comforts than typical trail shelters, living up to its nickname as the 'Fontana Hilton.' Hikers can expect a higher standard of accommodations here compared to other shelters along the AT, making it a welcome respite for long-distance trekkers.

Where is the Fontana Hilton shelter located and how do I access it?

The Fontana Hilton shelter is located near Fontana Dam along the Appalachian Trail. It sits at a strategic point where the AT passes through this area, making it accessible for hikers traveling the trail. The shelter can be reached by following the Appalachian Trail blazes to this location. For those not thru-hiking, access is possible via trails near Fontana Dam. The shelter's positioning makes it a popular stopping point for hikers before entering or after exiting the Great Smoky Mountains section of the trail.

What is the Fontana Hilton shelter on the Appalachian Trail?

The Fontana Hilton is a renowned trail shelter on the Appalachian Trail that earned its nickname due to its superior amenities and comfort compared to other shelters. It represents a luxury upgrade from the typical basic AT shelters, featuring modern touches like a solar charging station. Located near Fontana Dam and the Great Smoky Mountains, it serves as an important waypoint for thru-hikers. The shelter provides a welcome respite and opportunity to recharge both physically and electronically before tackling the challenging Smoky Mountains section of the trail.