White knuckled terror and breathtaking excitement followed each switchback as we soared higher and higher in our quest to ride the dragon’s tail and tame the mountain on the way to Fontana Village.

Have you ever been excited and terrified at the same time? That’s exactly how my bride and I felt as we roared around hairpin curves on two wheels and ascended the Tail of the Dragon near Deals Gap, North Carolina. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world descend upon the area to experience one of the country’s most challenging public roads.  As the Dragon’s tail rises higher and higher up the mountain it comes alive with over 318 switchback curves in the 11 mile road course.

You’ll find Fontana Village Resort nestled cozily within the fertile forest that teems with bountiful fish and many wildlife species in the picturesque North Carolina mountains. Some have called it the quiet side of the Smokies, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern vacation mecca of East Tennessee.

I just call it God’s country.

Magnificent mountain peaks ascend high into the heavens towering majestically over the lush terrain as the Little Tennessee River slices through the wilderness below, twisting and turning turbulently before spilling out peacefully into the deep, dark waters of the world famous Fontana Lake right below Fontana Lake Village and Resort.

Travelers from across the world come to traverse the famed Appalachian Trail stopping briefly to admire the breathtaking scenery from atop Fontana Dam. The highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains, Fontana is on the Little Tennessee River in western North Carolina.

Fontana Lake sparkles like a jewel of shimmering beauty, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains. Fishing, boating and swimming are all popular with Fontana guests, as well as wilderness hikers and campers.

Smallmouth, largemouth, Kentucky Spots and striped bass all succumbed to my offerings on the bountiful lake.

The Appalachian Trail, which extends over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, crosses Fontana Dam and travelers are treated to a spectacular array of wildlife and natural beauty. Hot showers are available at the Fontana Hilton, which is a basic trail shelter. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park borders the reservoir to the north.

Fontana was built during World War II to provide electric power for the war effort. A new town sprang up on the mountain, eventually housing 5,000 people working around the clock, and the project broke construction records. With its place of honor set firmly in history the former construction village is now a resort for recreational activities such as boating, horseback riding and craft making.

Fontana Village Resort offers a respite to weary travelers and serves as a gateway to the Smoky Mountains. The area surrounding Fontana Village provides unparalleled opportunities to canoe, kayak, or simply hike backwoods trails.

The mountains are full of streams and thousands of waterfalls, most unseen by the road racers speeding nearby.

There’s just nothing quite like viewing the site of a majestic eagle soaring overhead, while sparkling waters flow soothingly through rocks and boulders before cascading over waterfalls below.

The possibilities are limitless if you want to get back to nature and hike to mountain peaks, view spectacular waterfalls, ride horses high into the forest, or simply take a swim or cast a fly for trout. Fast and furious action awaits those thirsting for adventure, while peace and tranquility can be found alongside a mountain trail or gurgling brook.

Just imagine trout swimming in pools of crystal clear water while bears forage through the countryside and elk browse the meadows of the valley below. But you don’t have to imagine it; you can experience it here in the area surrounding Fontana Lake.

Fontana Village Resort and Marina beckons us to step back in time, away from the typical hectic modern life to experience something more, something rare and precious these days. Come and lose yourself and sample a piece of heaven on earth in God’s Country; in the mountains of Western North Carolina. For more information check them out online at http://www.fontanavillage.com/ or contact them at 800-849-2258.