Boating

For lake boating near the Smokies, your best bet is Fontana Lake. This 29-mile long, 11,700-acre TVA lake offers great views of the southwestern side of the Smokies. Small motor boats, pontoon boats, and other boats are available to rent at several marinas on the lake, including in the Bryson City area.

Alarka Boat Dock. To rent a small powerboat on Fontana Lake, check with Alarka Boat Dock. A 16-foot boat with 20 horsepower outboard motor is $10 an hour or $50 a day, and a 24-foot pontoon boat is $250 a day or $150 for a half-day (each plus fuel). 7230 Grassy Branch Rd., off Lower Alarka Rd., Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713. 828/488–3841; www.alarkaboatdock.com.