Another day, another question... Last year we tried to attend the Dragon Parade. We could not find the meeting place. There were several others driving around where we were looking for it too, so it wasnt just us. For those that found the base of Fontana Dam are there idiot proof directions for me? We do have a radio this year so that might help if we have trouble again but I really would like directions if possible. *I did manage to get a CD, listened to it again today. It got me excited for MOTD (as if the excitement wasnt already building).
It's really easy to get to the base of the Dam. Leave Fontana Village past the General Store and at the Gas Station on your right make Left Turn. Go down hill about a mile maybe and over a bridge, you can't miss the bridge as the road will go from curvy in the woods to straight over an open bridge that is not in the woods. At the end of the bridge make a right. If you make the right before the bridge that is the campground, over the bridge is the road that goes to the base of the dam.
the campground is right before the bridge. I believe there is some kinda of signage there. So once you see the campground, cross the bridge and the lower dam access road is on the right
That's what I was going to say! I thought this would be easy and there would be a million MINIs going wherever it was I needed to go.
Well, we did try that last year. Problem is there are lots of MINIs around. *Only 180* of the 525 MINIs are signed up for this event so there are a significant amount of MINIs elsewhere. And we did run into others that were lost last year too...following them was not helpful at all! Nathan--the thing you are calling a bridge, is it a true bridge or the top of the dam. I remember driving over the top of that damn dam several times last year. If that is what you are talking about I have no clue how we missed it.
It is a true bridge. You went the wrong way out of the village if you were at the top of the damn dam. Look to the right in the picture, following the path of the water, you will see that damn dam. This is where you turn right...
Now I am really confused. I Remember that if you turn RIGHT at the gas station you come to the Fontana marina. Turning LEFT takes you to Deals Gap at the intersection with 129. Left there will take you to a dam, but I don't remember crossing one between Fontana and Deals gap. Maybe I was watching the road too hard, but a dam would be hard to miss. Jim
Like my boyfriend always likes to remind me, "Just because you see a MINI doesn't mean you can just follow them to the event."
Left does take you to Deals Gap. Ever notice that during the drive to Deals Gap from Fontana Village the river is on your left? Well...you had to cross that river and you did so after less than a mile from the gas station. There are quite a few dams in the area. The one you are referring to when you go LEFT at Deals Gap is known as The Fugitive Dam. It's where Harrison Ford's stunt double jumped from the dam. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5RRjdhbxPk]YouTube - The Fugitive Dam Jump[/ame]
Now I got it. You turn right off 28 to get over to the damn dam. I think I remember that turn, but was not sure where it went. First trip is always hard. Thanks. I also did not know that the movie was shot at the other dam. Cool. Jim
'Kay, so I'm following you then, right?!? Just kidding. I think with all the helpful instructions and a radio this year we should be ok. I didnt know that about the dam in the Fugitive either. Thanks to everyone that was either helpful or funny!
"A" is the gas station: [ame=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=N+Carolina+28+N%2FFontana+Rd&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&geocode=FUK6HAIdKvEA-w%3BFUHeHAIdHx0B-w&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=15&sll=35.441163,-83.810449&sspn=0.026712,0.055575&ie=UTF8&z=15]N Carolina 28 N/Fontana Rd to Unknown road - Google Maps[/ame]