Indian Lakes Scenic Byway
Driving Directions

Driving the Byway

The Indian Lakes Scenic Byway covers 60 miles in an average of about 2 hours. The route takes travelers through forested mountains and lakes of western North Carolina.

Driving the Byway

  • The byway begins in Almond, North Carolina and travels along NC 28.
  • From Almond, cross the Nantahala River and continue on NC 28 for 23 miles to Fontana Village.
  • Travelers will pass the community of Stecoah on the way.
  • From Fontana Village, visitors will pass Fontana Dam and Fontana Lake to reach the community of Tapoco.
  • At Tapoco, take US Highway 129 south.
  • Travel US 129 past Santeetlah lake to Robbinsville. The Cheoah River parallels the route to make the drive especially scenic.
  • After Robbinsville, continue on US129 to Topton where the byway ends and the road intersects with US 19/74.