Calhoun House (Hazel Creek)

The Hazel Creek area lies on the north shore of Fontana Lake, and there is no road to it. Visitors take a boat across the lake, usually with a private shuttle from the Fontana Dam area, then walk or bike the Hazel Creek Trail, which follows the old railroad grade up the creek. See the park's Fontana page for planning information. Expect a full day and bring water, food and a map; cell service is absent.

The Calhoun House is one of the few buildings left from the community of Proctor, which grew around a lumber company in the early 1900s and held several hundred people. When the national park was formed and Fontana Dam was built, the settlement was abandoned and many of its buildings were removed. The surviving house is viewed from outside. Around it, chimneys, foundations and cemeteries mark the old homesites. The creek valley itself, with its wide, flat bottoms and big hardwoods, is the main reward.

• Time: a full day including the boat ride.
• Skill level: moderate; the trail grade is gentle but the distances are long.
• Safety: this is bear country; carry food properly and tell someone your plans.
• Conditions: check the park conditions page because Helene damage affected North Carolina backcountry trails.

If a long day is not for you, the Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee gives a gentler taste of the same pre-park mountain life.