Hiking Project Logo

A somewhat more challenging trail with excellent views of Fontana Lake.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.7

Miles

14.0

KM

Point to Point

1,991' 607 m

High

1,709' 521 m

Low

818' 249 m

Up

772' 235 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Description

The Tsali Left Loop begins by descending towards Fontana Lake, passing by an old homesite (where only a stone chimney remains). After arriving at the lakeside, the trail meanders along the lake (occasionally venturing up the hillside along creeks); there are some narrow sections where erosion has been an issue and care should be exercised here. There are also has a few climbs to spice things up a bit.

You'll pass through a number of thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron as well as up through a few hollows where the trail narrows. As the Tsali Left Loop approaches the County Line Connector, there will be a nice long climb with a spectacular overlook of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your reward at the top. This is especially rewarding in mid-May when the mountain laurel is in full bloom. Just be careful not to fall the 200 feet down the bluff into the lake!

The trail then descends down to the County Line Connector and the Tsali Right Loop, where you can either head back towards the parking area (2.5 miles) or extend your hike by continuing on the Tsali Right Loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zack Butler

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30591

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
100%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,278

in North Carolina

#30,591

Overall
3 Views Last Month
403 Since Sep 5, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Fontana Lake, from the Tsali Left Loop. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is across the lake.
Sep 5, 2017 near Bryson…, NC
Tsali Left Loop Trail along Fontana Lake/Mouse Branch, Smokey Mountain National Park in the background.
Sep 5, 2017 near Bryson…, NC
Left Loop view.
Sep 5, 2017 near Bryson…, NC
The remains of an old home on one of the Tsali Left Loop.
Sep 5, 2017 near Bryson…, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 14 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.