This Hike In North Carolina Leads Straight To An Abandoned Tunnel On A Road To Nowhere

Hiking in North Carolina is always an adventure, and the Road to Nowhere and its abandoned tunnel are legendary and a must for avid hikers and sightseers alike. Found within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the tunnel was part of highway that was never completed. It was to be built as a compromise with families who were displaced by the rising waters of Fontana Lake after the dam was built.

But after only six miles of the highway were completed, the project was shuttered due to environmental concerns about toxic runoff.

TripAdvisor/Dawn Y

Today, the tunnel is a legendary landmark scores of locals and visitors hike to on the Whiteoak Branch to Forney Creek trail outside of Bryson CIty.

AllTrails/TruthTrekker Peoples

The loop trail is 8.4 miles in length with a total elevation gain of 1,473 feet. It’s long and will test your stamina but reaching the tunnel is well worth the effort.

AllTrails/Chris Butler

Part of the trail follows along the beautiful Forney Creek, a mountain stream with crystal clear water.

AllTrails/Chris Telling

The tunnel on the Road to Nowhere is a quarter mile in length. You may need a flashlight, so keep that in mind.

TripAdvisor/Grace M

Scores of people have insisted this tunnel in the middle of nowhere is haunted and filled with eerie vibes. Will you be adversely affected by the spirits that haunt this place?

AllTrails/Gator Hiker

For most people, however, it’s simply an abandoned spot in nature that retains a mysterious and beautiful vibe.

AllTrails/Angela Olson

Find out more about the Whiteoak Branch to Forney Creek - Road to Nowhere trail from our friends at All Trails.

AllTrails

For more hiking adventures in North Carolina, here are the 12 most beautiful, scenic trails in the state!