Cable Cove

Cable Cove Recreation Area offers convenient access to Fontana Lake on the Little Tennessee River, located just 3 miles from Fontana Dam near Robbinsville, North Carolina. The ramp is handicapped accessible and serves as an excellent launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters exploring this scenic reservoir in the Nantahala National Forest. The area is situated approximately 4 miles from the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular destination for multi-sport recreation.

The Little Tennessee River backing up into Fontana Lake is a large river system (Stream Order 7) with a drainage area of 2,621 square miles. While the river itself maintains an average gradient of 10.3 feet per mile with significant flow, Fontana Lake itself offers calmer, flatwater paddling conditions ideal for kayaks and canoes. The lake access provides a scenic alternative to navigating the river's faster currents downstream.

Cable Cove Recreation Area includes 26 wooded campsites near a stream, making it suitable for paddlers planning overnight trips. The area is non-reservable on a first-come, first-served basis. To reach the ramp from Bryson City, take US 19/74 West to NC 28 North toward Robbinsville, then follow NC 28 North approximately 25 miles, turning right on SR 1287 (Cable Cove Road) and continuing 1.5 miles to the end of the road.

This area offers camping and hiking, with boating access on Fontana Lake. Cable Cove is 4 miles from Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail. The 26 campsites are set in a wooded area near a stream.