8. Lakeshore, Hazel Creek, & Bone Valley Trails

A Little Background: Lakeshore Trail, Hazel Creek Trail, and Bone Valley Trail

Just like other farming communities of the Smoky Mountains in the early 1800’s, Hazel Creek was a beautiful place to settle down and begin a new life in a young country. Moses Proctor and his wife, Patience Rustin Proctor, were the first to settle here. The town of Proctor would grow until it reached a population of more than 1,000 in the 1920’s.

After the Civil War, railroads and logging invaded the entire Smoky Mountain region. Hazel Creek residents agreed to sell their logging rights, and over-logging devastated the valley, as it did two-thirds of the Smokies.

By the time World War II arrived, the Tennessee Valley Authority needed energy that a new dam could provide. Fontana Dam was completed in 1944, but only after the final local residents were forced out.

The logging town of Proctor, and many other communities in the valley, had to be abandoned due to the flooding the dam would cause. In addition, the road leading to these communities would be cut off, leaving residents stranded.

The Granville Calhoun House remains, as well as Hall Cabin. Both are open for self-guided tours. Hall Cabin is the remotest home in all Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Marc’s Take: This is considered an easy hike, but it is lengthy, taking about 8 hours. Make sure you’re up for it. Fontana Lake, the boat ride, historical buildings, and the beauty of the park all contribute to the allure of this hike.

Getting to the Trailhead

The easiest way to get to the Lakeshore Trail, Hazel Creek Trail, Bone Valley Trail trailhead is to drive to Fontana Village Resort Marina and take the boat shuttle. You can top off your water supply and use the restroom before boarding for the short trip across Fontana Lake. I could live on a boat, so there is no other choice in my opinion.

The fee for the boat shuttle varies depending on your final destination. The shuttle delivers passengers to Eagle Creek, Mills Branch, and four other campsites. The Hazel Creek drop-off is where you want to go. As of publication date, tickets to Hazel Creek are $35 one way or $60 round trip per passenger. Call Fontana Marina to make a reservation for the boat shuttle 48 hours in advance. The number is 828-498-2017.

Departure times from Fontana Marina on the Miss Hazel:

• 8:30 AM
• 11:30 AM
• 3:30 PM

Please check with the marina website for up-to-date information on prices and other details.

Just as you would on any all-day hike, start early; you need the time. The boat will drop you off on the northern shore of Fontana Lake and the skipper will point you in the direction of the trailhead. Meet back at the appointed time for the trip back.

Alternatively, you may hike around the lake using Lakeshore Trail. The trailhead is located at the end of Lakeshore Drive W, on the western side of Fontana Dam. This option will add a day to your trip. Expect to overnight at one of the back country shelters.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to stay overnight in a back country shelter, you need a permit which you can purchase it at the marina. Camping is allowed only at designated campgrounds and shelters. If you are unsure of anything, just ask. The personnel are very helpful.

Parking

Fontana Marina is not inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so a GSMNP parking tag is not required. Plenty of free parking is available in the marina lot.

Trail Highlights

This trail is not a traditional mountain trail of packed dirt embedded with roots and gravel; rather, it is an old mountain road. Most hiking guides rate this trail as an “easy” hike (as do we). You cross the creek several times on your way to Hall Cabin, near the end of Bone Valley Trail.

Crossing the creek can be tricky, especially when the water is high and moving quickly. Take care when traversing any water.

Campsite 86 is less than a half mile from the trailhead and sits next to Hazel Creek on the left. After passing the campsite and crossing a bridge over the creek, the trail intersects with Hazel Creek Trail. This area is the location of the old logging town of Proctor.

Turning right onto Hazel Creek Trail you will hike for nearly 5.5 miles until you reach the junction with Bone Valley Trail. Turn left on Bone Valley Trail and hike another 1.8 miles to Hall Cabin.

Interesting Fact: Bone Valley Trail is named after the area where a herd of cattle froze to death while grazing when a local farmer miscalculated incoming freezing temperatures.

Ecology and Wildlife: Nature’s Classroom

These trails showcase the Smokies’ biodiversity. Hazel Creek is a prime trout stream, anglers need a NC fishing license. The old roads allow regrowth of native plants, supporting over 100 tree species. Look for the endangered hellbender salamander in deeper pools or pileated woodpeckers drumming on snags.

Conservation efforts here focus on invasive species removal and habitat restoration post-logging. By hiking Leave No Trace principles, pack out trash, camp on durable surfaces, you help preserve this fragile ecosystem.

Read: Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Detailed Trail Guide

To give you a more immersive experience, let’s break it down mile by mile, highlighting key features and side attractions.

Mile 0: Starting from the boat drop-off at the Lakeshore Trailhead (Mile 0), you’ll follow the wide, gravelly path paralleling Fontana Lake’s shore. The first 0.4 miles are flat and shaded, with views of the lake through hemlock groves, perfect for shaking off any travel stiffness.

Mile 0.5: By Mile 0.5, you’ll reach Campsite 86, a spacious back country site with a fire ring and bear cables. It’s an ideal spot for a lunch break if you’re not overnighting. Just beyond, cross the sturdy bridge over Hazel Creek (Mile 0.6), where the water rushes over smooth rocks. This is your first ford preview, watch for trout darting in the pools.

Mile 0.7: At Mile 0.7, veer right onto Hazel Creek Trail. The path narrows slightly but remains an old roadbed, climbing gently (about 200 feet over the next mile) through mixed hardwoods. Ferns carpet the forest floor, and in spring, wildflowers like trillium bloom profusely.

Mile 2.0: Around Mile 2.0, you’ll pass remnants of the Proctor community: stone foundations and a chimney stack from old homes. Pause here to reflect, these silent ruins whisper stories of families displaced by progress.

As you continue, the trail follows Hazel Creek upstream, with more fords every 0.5-1 mile. These crossings vary from ankle-deep rock hops to knee-high wades; in summer, they’re refreshing dips, but post-rain, use trekking poles for balance.

Mile 3.5: At Mile 3.5, look for a small cascade tumbling into the creek, a great photo op and rest spot. Wildlife is abundant here: birdsong fills the air, and you might spot salamanders under rocks or a black bear foraging in the underbrush (always maintain a safe distance and store food properly).

Mile 5.5: By Mile 5.5, you’ll arrive at the Bone Valley Trail junction, marked by a signpost. Turn left onto this spur, which dives into a narrower valley. The terrain steepens slightly (300 feet gain over 1.8 miles), but it’s still moderate. Rhododendrons arch overhead, creating tunnel-like passages, especially vibrant in June.

Mile 7.3: At Mile 7.3 (total), reach Hall Cabin, a weathered log structure from the 1890s, restored by the park service. Step inside to see period furnishings and read about the Hall family’s life. It’s a poignant endpoint, symbolizing the Smokies’ pioneer spirit.

The return journey retraces your steps, but the changing light and fatigue make it feel fresh. Budget 4-5 hours outbound and 3-4 back for a day hike. If overnighting, Campsite 86 or 85 (along Hazel Creek) are popular; but remember to secure your permit in advance via recreation.gov.

Read: What to Do If You Encounter a Black Bear

Why These Trails? A Personal Touch

In a park with over 800 miles of trails, Lakeshore, Hazel Creek, and Bone Valley stand out for their remoteness and storytelling. They’re not just paths; they’re portals to the past, reminding us of the human-nature interplay that shaped the Smokies. Whether you’re seeking solitude, history, or a gentle challenge, this 15.4-mile loop delivers.

Ready to go? Reserve that boat shuttle and hit the trails. Happy hiking, and may the mountains fill your soul!

Nearby Points of Interest

Fontana Dam Visitor Center is just up the road from the Fontana Village Resort Marina. The Fontana Dam Shelter sits between the two. If you are a motorcyclist, you may want to experience the Tail of the Dragon on US-129 on the other side of Fontana Dam.