About
Length3.2 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain700 ft up
Typical time2 hr
TrailheadLakeview Drive, end of the Road to Nowhere
SurfaceForest path with steep sections
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilitySome rocky areas and shallow stream crossings.
What you'll see 🏞️ Lake🏛️ Historic site

Overview Hike 4 miles (6.4 km) on Lakeshore and Goldmine Loop trails through a hardwood forest filled with signs of old homesites and farms in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Exploring this area is pure gold, or at least that's what early European settlers originally thought. Although no significant amount of gold was ever found here, there are still plenty of signs that people used to live here. This trail is moderate but includes some rocky areas and some shallow stream crossings. Length 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead To reach the trailhead, park at the end of Lakeview Drive and hike 1 mile (1.6 km) down Lakeshore Trail. Goldmine Loop Trail will be on your left. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Facilities near Deep Creek or outside the park before arriving

Tips
The tunnel at the road end is the famous bit - walk through it with a torch. The loop passes old chimneys and foundations from communities flooded out by Fontana Lake.
Location

Lakeview Drive, end of the Road to Nowhere

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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