Lost Cove Trail

Lost Cove Trail is a 2.7-mile, one-way route from the Appalachian Trail at Sassafras Gap down to Lakeshore Trail through a remote hardwood cove. Walk west to east for a net drop of about 1,800 feet; allow roughly two hours for this segment, with the descent and water crossings slowing your pace.

There is no road at either end. The practical outing from Fontana Dam follows the A.T. about 3.7 miles to the Lost Cove junction, then returns by Lakeshore. That larger loop is reported at roughly 11.4 to 11.9 miles and about 6.5 to 7.5 hours. The 2.7 miles here are only the Lost Cove segment.

The trail descends through shady hardwoods on a natural surface. One hike report counted six creek crossings on Lost Cove and described several as moderately deep. Water depth can vary, so expect uneven footing and take your time at each crossing. This is a lightly developed backcountry trail, not a built-up viewpoint walk.

At the lower end, Lost Cove meets Lakeshore Trail; the common Fontana Dam loop continues along Lakeshore. That return has repeated short rises and falls, with occasional glimpses of the lake through the trees. It also crosses the old North Shore, where communities stood before Fontana Dam created the lake. Remnants of earlier settlement and logging give this return a bit of history beyond the shoreline walk.

Dogs are not allowed on Lost Cove. Only two trails in the park permit leashed pets, and this is not one of them.