hazel creek

Hazel Creek is widely regarded as one of the premier trout-fishing streams in the Southeast. It can be accessed via canoe or ferry from the Fontana Lake Marina, or via trail due southwest from the AT and Clingmans Dome area. I have used both modes of transportation and can say the $50 round trip ferry fee is worth it - although I would certainly recommend at least trip across in a canoe. As far as the trout are concerned, I did bring some fly fishing gear during two extended backpacking trips, but only managed a few fish and a dozen or so lost flies. However, I am no angler, and we visited off season. I am sure this creek is heaven for some fisherman. But for me, the real payoff was the wilderness scenery and the solitude of the backcountry. The creek is beautiful, with miles of crisp clear water tumbling over mossy stone as far as the eye can see. The second interesting fact about Hazel Creek is that it runs through the deserted town of Proctor, NC. This town was basically cut off from society in order to create Fontana Lake. Several roads and houses still remain after the flooding and the National Park Service provides regular shuttle service across the lake for the relatives of deceased buried in local cemetaries.As I said, I enjoy hiking along the many miles of Hazel Creek. The old dirt and gravel roads of Proctor now serve as a 16+ mile hiking trail that heads north into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The first 10 miles of the trail are easy going. Very flat grades combined with smooth road beds make it easy for aging fisherman to enter the woods. You can hike beyond this point but be prepared for more than 2 dozen tricky stream crossings. I highly recommend bringing an old comfortable pair of sneakers for this section fo the trail. The path heads northeast until finally encountering a secluded Hazel Creek Cascades, and then ascends a steep series of switchbacks until you reach Welch Ridge. Only another 2 miles until you hit the AT and all the history that goes with it. On this journey, we were headed for Clingmans Dome but needed to pull an audible and stay at Silers Bald shelter due to heavy snow and ice. I must say that most of the vistas on this hike involved the creek, which was registered high on the serene scale - though didn't provide any awe inspiring vistas. We also explored the Bone Valley Trail which intersects with Hazel creek at around the 5.5 mile mark. Be sure to head tthe full length of the trail and see Hall Cabin. Plan on spending multiple days in the wilderness here. The logistics of getting into this area can be a bit of a pain. Nothing to prevent the trip from happening though do reserve campsites well in advance if you plan on fishing during the popular seasons. Enjoy the historic home sites and good luck landing the big brown!