The Vanishing Act of Judson, North Carolina

They say lake destinations turn into real ghost towns at this time of year—but one North Carolina spot takes that nickname a bit too literally.

Fontana Lake—a Southern gem settled among the Smoky Mountains—is a treat for boaters, an out-of-the-way spot that lends a serene air to everything from angling to leisure boating to wakeboarding and waterskiing. You’ll ogle at gorgeous, tree-lined shores and hazy mountain views that fade into the distance—and since the lake is chiefly surrounded by national parklands, you feel truly immersed in the splendor of nature.

But while Fontana might sound like just another lake vacation—a beautiful one, no doubt—its true “claim to fame” rests some distance below the surface: the vanished town of Judson, North Carolina.

How did an entire town end up underwater? Its story is a little less mysterious than that of the fabled Atlantis—but that doesn’t make it any less intriguing! Just read on to learn more—and to discover, back on the surface, a true back-to-nature water sports paradise. Take a look.

Life before the lake

What was life like before Fontana Lake came on the scene? In a word, ordinary. The town of Judson was small but busy—replete with a post office, sawmill, shops and about 600 residents. In the 1930s, when Swain County sold the townland to serve as the foundation for Fontana Lake—a man-made reservoir and dam—as well as acreage for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town went under, literally. People left, but relics of their time there—abandoned cars, an old bridge that can only be seen during low winter water levels—remained. Perhaps it is this antique allure, vestiges of time past, that helps make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited in the country. Fontana Lake itself, though, is often overlooked in the mix. While the mountains, wildlife, and gorgeous natural scenery provide much to “ooh” and “ah” at in the region, the reservoir is somewhat off the beaten path.

An unfinished “Road to Nowhere,” otherwise known as Lakeview Drive, was planned to be built on the lake’s north shore—but it never came to fruition. As a result, life on Fontana Lake is quiet, removed from the everyday hustle and bustle—and that, perhaps, is its most beloved quality.

Fontana today

Life on the lake may be quiet, but it’s far from boring. In fact, a bona fide aquatic paradise awaits those who venture to the water’s edge. Beautiful water views border on Caribbean-esque with their alluring, bright blue charm, while the lake’s shore is defined by green slopes and trees whose presence helps keep the wind at bay. For those looking to surf, ski or board, that naturally means two things—less wind, and smoother water. The main channel offers plenty of room for indulging your thirst for water sports fun. Smaller creeks and crannies along the lake’s edge offer additional opportunities for exploration—to old mountain towns like Proctor and further vestiges of a forgotten era.

There’s more to Fontana Lake than meets the eye! Discover the thrills that abound above the surface while getting to know the history of this one-of-a-kind destination.