The phrase “road to nowhere” might conjure thoughts of a dead-end road, a very long country road, or perhaps even the metaphorical end of something looming in the distance. However, here in North Carolina, the Road To Nowhere is an actual place that you can visit. Here’s more on the Road To Nowhere in Bryson City, a unique tunnel in North Carolina.
Flickr / Smoky Dan The Road To Nowhere is a road deep within the Smokies that ends with a tunnel that literally goes….nowhere.
Flickr / Smoky Dan The Road To Nowhere consists of a six-mile scenic route with gorgeous views of the Smoky mountains. But there’s a dark past to this pretty drive, and one of the first indications you’ll see is a sign that reads - “The Road To Nowhere - A Broken Promise.”
Flickr / Smoky Dan Even today, there’s much controversy and speculation over the Road To Nowhere. It all started in 1930s and 40s when Swain County sold an abundant amount of private land to the national government for the creation of Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many who called this area home were immediately displaced and promised that the completion of HWY 288 would allow them to still access remnants of ‘home,’ like family cemeteries and grave sites.
Flickr / Smoky Dan The former access road was buried beneath the waters of the lake. Due to environmental and construction issues, the new road was never completed. Families never saw the promise fulfilled to one day have access to what was rightfully theirs. Instead, the road still sits hauntingly with a tunnel marking the end. In 2010, the US Department of Interior paid Swain County $52 million in lieu of building the road. But the Road To Nowhere still remains.
Flickr / woodleywonderworks Today, many people travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest and down the dead end road to get their own Road To Nowhere experience. Of course, you HAVE to walk through the tunnel.
Flickr / woodleywonderworks Besides an extremely unique (and sometimes eerie) day trip, those brave enough to travel ‘Nowhere’ are treated to coveted and one-of-a-kind views of both Fontana Lake and the Smokies.
Flickr / woodleywonderworks You can access the road by hiking or driving. Once there, you may be tempted to walk around the area and explore this unique tunnel in North Carolina.
The Road To Nowhere is an eerily unique place and has made several of our lists, including 25 of the most jaw-dropping places in North Carolina.
Flickr / Smoky Dan
The Road To Nowhere is a road deep within the Smokies that ends with a tunnel that literally goes….nowhere.
The Road To Nowhere consists of a six-mile scenic route with gorgeous views of the Smoky mountains. But there’s a dark past to this pretty drive, and one of the first indications you’ll see is a sign that reads - “The Road To Nowhere - A Broken Promise.”
Even today, there’s much controversy and speculation over the Road To Nowhere. It all started in 1930s and 40s when Swain County sold an abundant amount of private land to the national government for the creation of Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many who called this area home were immediately displaced and promised that the completion of HWY 288 would allow them to still access remnants of ‘home,’ like family cemeteries and grave sites.
The former access road was buried beneath the waters of the lake. Due to environmental and construction issues, the new road was never completed. Families never saw the promise fulfilled to one day have access to what was rightfully theirs. Instead, the road still sits hauntingly with a tunnel marking the end. In 2010, the US Department of Interior paid Swain County $52 million in lieu of building the road. But the Road To Nowhere still remains.
Flickr / woodleywonderworks
Today, many people travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest and down the dead end road to get their own Road To Nowhere experience. Of course, you HAVE to walk through the tunnel.
Besides an extremely unique (and sometimes eerie) day trip, those brave enough to travel ‘Nowhere’ are treated to coveted and one-of-a-kind views of both Fontana Lake and the Smokies.
You can access the road by hiking or driving. Once there, you may be tempted to walk around the area and explore this unique tunnel in North Carolina.
Have you visited this unique tunnel in North Carolina before? What did you think of the Road To Nowhere? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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Address: Lakeview Dr E, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique tunnel in North Carolina August 11, 2020 Beth C. Can I visit any abandoned places in North Carolina? North Carolina has an extensive history. Visit the state today, and you’ll find an assortment of beautifully preserved buildings. However, there are also some abandoned places that have been left for nature to slowly reclaim. If you’re fascinated by these eerily beautiful landmarks, there are several abandoned places in North Carolina that you can visit. These include the North Wilkesboro Speedway, the Family Inn of America, Davis Hospital, Stonewall Jackson Reform School, Henry River Mill, and the Abandoned Coast Guard Station. Learn more about these eery abandoned places in North Carolina. What are the most haunted places in North Carolina? Given that North Carolina holds so much history, it stands to reason that there would be a few haunted places in the Tar Heel State. Of all of these, many agree that the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the single most haunted location. This sprawling estate, which is considered to be the largest privately-owned mansion in the country, was built by George Vanderbilt. He died in this home in the early 1900s, although it’s not certain that he truly ever left. Visitors to the Biltmore Estate has noticed paranormal activity on the grounds of the estate, including seeing apparitions of George Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith. Looking for more of North Carolina’s haunted places? Check out these haunted roads in North Carolina that aren’t for the faint of heart. What haunted hiking trails can I take in North Carolina? The haunting allure of the Great Smoky Mountains has inspired folklore and ghost stores for centuries. However, many believe there is at least a little truth held in these troubling stories. In fact, it’s believed that a hiking trail in the park is riddled with paranormal activity. If you take the Norton Creek Trail along Lake Fontana, you’ll pass a number of intriguing landmarks, including headstones and deteriorating brick walls. You can learn more about this haunting hike by reading our related article: The Haunted Hike In North Carolina That Will Send You Running For The Hills.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique tunnel in North Carolina
August 11, 2020
Beth C.
Can I visit any abandoned places in North Carolina? North Carolina has an extensive history. Visit the state today, and you’ll find an assortment of beautifully preserved buildings. However, there are also some abandoned places that have been left for nature to slowly reclaim. If you’re fascinated by these eerily beautiful landmarks, there are several abandoned places in North Carolina that you can visit. These include the North Wilkesboro Speedway, the Family Inn of America, Davis Hospital, Stonewall Jackson Reform School, Henry River Mill, and the Abandoned Coast Guard Station. Learn more about these eery abandoned places in North Carolina. What are the most haunted places in North Carolina? Given that North Carolina holds so much history, it stands to reason that there would be a few haunted places in the Tar Heel State. Of all of these, many agree that the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the single most haunted location. This sprawling estate, which is considered to be the largest privately-owned mansion in the country, was built by George Vanderbilt. He died in this home in the early 1900s, although it’s not certain that he truly ever left. Visitors to the Biltmore Estate has noticed paranormal activity on the grounds of the estate, including seeing apparitions of George Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith. Looking for more of North Carolina’s haunted places? Check out these haunted roads in North Carolina that aren’t for the faint of heart. What haunted hiking trails can I take in North Carolina? The haunting allure of the Great Smoky Mountains has inspired folklore and ghost stores for centuries. However, many believe there is at least a little truth held in these troubling stories. In fact, it’s believed that a hiking trail in the park is riddled with paranormal activity. If you take the Norton Creek Trail along Lake Fontana, you’ll pass a number of intriguing landmarks, including headstones and deteriorating brick walls. You can learn more about this haunting hike by reading our related article: The Haunted Hike In North Carolina That Will Send You Running For The Hills.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina has an extensive history. Visit the state today, and you’ll find an assortment of beautifully preserved buildings. However, there are also some abandoned places that have been left for nature to slowly reclaim. If you’re fascinated by these eerily beautiful landmarks, there are several abandoned places in North Carolina that you can visit. These include the North Wilkesboro Speedway, the Family Inn of America, Davis Hospital, Stonewall Jackson Reform School, Henry River Mill, and the Abandoned Coast Guard Station. Learn more about these eery abandoned places in North Carolina.
What are the most haunted places in North Carolina?
Given that North Carolina holds so much history, it stands to reason that there would be a few haunted places in the Tar Heel State. Of all of these, many agree that the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the single most haunted location. This sprawling estate, which is considered to be the largest privately-owned mansion in the country, was built by George Vanderbilt. He died in this home in the early 1900s, although it’s not certain that he truly ever left. Visitors to the Biltmore Estate has noticed paranormal activity on the grounds of the estate, including seeing apparitions of George Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith. Looking for more of North Carolina’s haunted places? Check out these haunted roads in North Carolina that aren’t for the faint of heart.
What haunted hiking trails can I take in North Carolina?
The haunting allure of the Great Smoky Mountains has inspired folklore and ghost stores for centuries. However, many believe there is at least a little truth held in these troubling stories. In fact, it’s believed that a hiking trail in the park is riddled with paranormal activity. If you take the Norton Creek Trail along Lake Fontana, you’ll pass a number of intriguing landmarks, including headstones and deteriorating brick walls. You can learn more about this haunting hike by reading our related article: The Haunted Hike In North Carolina That Will Send You Running For The Hills.
