Cheoah Dam
!
Cheoah is one my favorite dams, and not just because I’m a big fan of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. It has a lot of character and history. And you get good views from the side as well as from downstream, which is not typically the case with the larger dams.
Historical photo by George Masa (89Z13-01)
Driving Directions
From the junction of US 129 and NC 28, drive 1.8 miles south on US 129 to the dam overlook on the left. Continue 0.4 miles to the bridge over Calderwood Lake with view of dam.
From Robbinsville, drive about 15 miles north on US 129 to the bridge and 15.4 to the dam overlook.
Hiking Directions
Quick Glance
The overlook provides a good view of the dam, albeit through a chain-link fence. If you want to walk on the bridge to view the dam from below (not recommended for safety reasons), you can park at the south side of the bridge at the gravel drive.
Detailed Look
If you want a close view of the dam, you can put a boat in at Magazine Branch Boat Ramp and paddle/motor upstream. Take the road from the north end of the bridge over the lake. The ramp is located at the end of the road.
| Accessibility: | |
| County: | Graham, Swain |
| River Basin: | Little Tennessee |
| Watercourse: | Little Tennessee River |
| Watershed: | Amazon |
| Type and Height: | |
| Landowner: | Private |
| Experience Rating: | Remarkable |
| Elevation: | 1200 feet Full lake level is approximately 1200 feet |
| USGS Map: | Tapoco NC/TN |
| Hike Difficulty: | View roadside |
| Hike Distance: | |
| Waterfall GPS: | 35.449169, -83.936711 Reading taken from overlook on US 129 near top of dam. |
| Parking GPS: | 35.449169, -83.936711 Reading taken from overlook on US 129 near top of dam. |
Photo Gallery
Click a photo to enlarge.
Historical Gallery
Click a photo to enlarge.
