A Complete Guide to Hiking Goldmine Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Goldmine Loop Trail sits near Fontana Lake in the North Carolina section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting at the Road to Nowhere tunnel parking area about 8 miles from Bryson City along Lakeview Drive. It's a moderate loop that mixes creek crossings, old homestead ruins, and lake views — less trafficked than most Smokies trails and worth the detour.
Trail Overview
- Distance: 3.1 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Conditions: Generally well-kept, with a few rocky or muddy spots
What You'll See
Road to Nowhere Tunnel — The hike starts through an abandoned tunnel, which sets an interesting tone for what follows.
Goldmine Branch Creek — Peaceful creek crossings with wooden bridges and good spots to stop and rest.
Old Homestead Ruins — Stone foundations and structures from early Appalachian settlers scattered along the route.
Fontana Lake Overlooks — Elevated views of the lake from several points on the loop.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer bring lush greenery and refreshing creek crossings. Fall delivers vibrant foliage. Winter is quiet with potential icy patches. Morning hikes give you cooler temps and better odds of wildlife sightings.
Wildlife
Black bears, wild turkeys, deer, songbirds, woodpeckers, and hawks. Rhododendrons, hardwoods, and ferns line most of the trail.
Nearby
- Fontana Lake — boating, kayaking, and fishing
- Bryson City — restaurants, breweries, and shops
- Noland Creek Trail — another scenic route in the same area
Tips
- Wear waterproof boots — creek crossings can be slippery
- Pack water and snacks; no facilities on the trail
- Parking at the tunnel fills quickly during peak season — arrive early
- Follow Leave No Trace guidelines
