Hike northbound along the Appalachian Trail from where it enters the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shuckstack mountain and fire tower for 360-degree views including Fontana Lake and Dam. Not an easy hike by any means, but a steep ascent will reward you will amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to leave the pupper at home, dogs are not allowed on the trails in the park.

You can drive across the dam and follow the road staying to the right for parking right next to the trailhead where the road dead ends. The Lakeshore Trail begins at the end of the road and the AT heads north on the left just before at the info board. There's also a small parking lot after the dam on the way but if all else fails, park at the two large lots at the Fontana Dam Visitors Center just before crossing the dam. This will add 2 miles onto your hike.

Once you're on the AT, navigation is easy. The only side trail is the one you want to take to the fire tower at the end. There's one potential creek crossing if it's rained a lot recently, but it would still be easy to cross. At 2.8 miles you'll come to a view along a section of bare rock. At 3.2 miles the AT leaves to the left, but continue straight to hike up the side trail to Shuckstack.

Arriving at the summit of Shuckstack mountain, a stone chimney from the tower cabin remains on the left and the fire tower on the right. Carefully climb the steps to the top of the tower to rise high above the trees and catch 360-degree views. You can climb all the way into the room at the top, however, the wooden floor boards look a bit worse for wear than the steps leading up.