A free guided tour of historical sites hidden in the remote southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Fontana Lake will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 23.

The area was once home to small towns and communities until the lake was constructed, isolating the area. Residents were forced to relocate and the territory was made part of the Park. The hike will include the Proctor Family Cemetery and the site of the sawmill company town of Proctor built by Ritter Lumber Company in the early 1900s. The ranger leading the hike will have historic photos and maps to share with participants

Park Rangers will lead the guided hikes in the Hazel Creek area of the park’s North Shore area. The tour will begin with a boat ride across Lake Fontana to reach the trail head. The North Shore area is 15 miles from the closest road, accessibly only to overnight hikers, horse back riders, or by boat. The boat will depart from Fontana Village Resort on the Graham County side of the lake.

Because of limited seating on the boat, the hike is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. Reserve a spot by calling 828.497.1905 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; or Tuesday, Oct. 18. Individual reservations are limited to two people and children must be at least 13 years old.