BMT: Segment 21a (Lakeshore Trail West)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views

• Benton MacKaye Trail

For more information, visit the Benton MacKaye Trail Association's website.

Points of Interest along this section: This section covers the Lakeshore Trail from the Lost Cove Campsite 90 to Campsite 86 (Proctor at Hazel Creek). In all, the Lakeshore Trail is 35 miles long. It only occasionally drops down to the lakeshore, and it is quite hilly.

Lost Creek and Hazel Creek were once village sites and later were logging camps before the construction of Fontana Dam and the impoundment of Fontana Lake. The Cherokee had both lived and made summer camps along these creeks for at least one thousand years. It wasn't until 1830 that the first non-Cherokees were documented in the area. Hazel Creek was allegedly named after the American Hazelnut trees growing along its banks.

Trail Description: Lost Cove CS 90 (mile 200.6) is along the edge of Eagle Creek and close to where the creek enters Fontana Lake. From the campsite, follow the Lakeshore Trail east toward Eagle Creek. Cross over Lost Cove Creek on a log bridge, then Eagle Creek on a steel bridge, then turn right at the trail sign. The Eagle Creek Trail continues straight. Climb up over a ridge, then down the other side to the Possum Hollow CS 88 at mile 203.6. Look for evidence of old homesteads along this section. Cross another series of low ridges and come to the Hazel Creek Trail intersection in the old village of Proctor at mile 204.9. Cross the Proctor Bridge over Hazel Creek to reach the Proctor Campsite 86 at mile 205.0. All that is left of the old Hazel community are a few foundations and the Calhoun House. You can visit, but do not camp in the Calhoun House, built in 1928 by Granville Calhoun, a railroad builder for the Ritter Lumber Company.

Campsites: Three campsites are along this section, Lost Cove Campsite 90 at mile 200.1, Possum Hollow Campsite 88 (no horses) at mile 203.6, and Proctor Campsite 86 at mile 205.0, which is located on the old baseball field for the town of Proctor. Campsite reservations must be made in advance through the GSMNP Backcountry Office online reservation system.

Water Sources: Each campsite has water which should be treated and there are several creek crossings where water is available. Lost Cove Campsite 90 is heavily used. Proctor Campsite 86 gets its water from Hazel Creek.