Cheoah Dam—The Dam from The Fugitive
The Cheoah Dam in North Carolina is a marvel of engineering, having been one of the biggest dams ever built. To movie fans, though, it holds a special significance for having been featured in the 1993 thriller The Fugitive.
Its association with the film has given the Cheoah Dam a lasting nickname: Fugitive Dam. In fact, the name has proven so catchy that some people think the Fugitive Dam is the structure’s real name.
The Cheoah Dam is located on the Little Tennessee River, some 16 miles from Robbinsville and 10 miles from Fontana Dam. Built as a hydroelectric dam, construction started in 1916 and concluded in 1919.
Upon its completion, the Cheoah Dam supplied power for aluminum smelting in Alcoa, TN. At the time, it was the world’s highest overflow dam with the largest turbines in the world. Although it has since been superseded in both aspects, the Cheoah Dam continues to supply renewable energy.
The waters it dammed created the Cheoah Reservoir (also called Cheoah Lake), which covers 644 acres and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. A scenic highway, SR 28, snakes along its shores, allowing you to take in the views from the saddle.
But let’s get to the movie! In the 1993 film The Fugitive, the Cheoah Dam (unnamed in the movie and located elsewhere) served as the backdrop for a key scene.
If you haven’t seen The Fugitive, here’s a quick synopsis. Dr. Richard Kimble, played by Harrison Ford, stands wrongly accused of murder for which he has been given the death penalty. He escapes to prove his innocence, all the while tailed by ruthless U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones).
In the famous scene, Jones corners Ford at the end of a dam spillway. Refusing to surrender, Ford’s character throws himself off the dam into the river below, miraculously surviving the fall.
Of course, he didn’t actually jump, and the man-shaped thing plummeting down was a mannequin. I’m just saying, don’t try to recreate the stunt.
Instead, you should explore all the wonderful roads and natural sights in the area. To find out more about the Cheoah Dam’s surroundings, read our Robbinsville, NC, destination guide.
Facts & Info
Nearby Roads
A mere two miles from the Cheoah Dam is Deals Gap, the starting point of the Tail of the Dragon. This legendary road surely needs no instruction. Its more than 300 curves within 11 miles put your riding skills to a real test.
Starting at the same spot is Moonshiner 28, a 112-mile-long twisting pavement ribbon that cuts through the heart of the Smokies from Deals Gap to Walhalla, SC. It’s a thrilling ride whose northern end follows the contours of the Cheoah Reservoir, making it an ideal long-distance trip to or from the dam.
The Cherohala Skyway’s eastern end is also not far from the Cheoah Dam. It serves 43 miles of sweeping curves and high-elevation views as it slithers through its namesake Cherokee and Nantahala national forests.
Food & Dining
The Tapoco Tavern is located at the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort, located at the Cheoah Dam. It serves classic American pub grub, from sandwiches to burgers and pizza. Highlights of the menu are dishes featuring locally caught trout.
A popular spot among riders exploring the nearby routes, you’re sure to be in good company whether you stop for lunch or dinner. The Tapoco Lodge also has rooms available if you decide to spend the night. Find it at 14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC.
Best Time to Travel
It’s best to head to the Cheoah Dam in the fall. The temperatures will be ideal for motorcycling, there are fewer tourists on the roads, and the fall leaves make the already majestic scenery even more breathtaking. If you can’t make it in fall, spring is a good time too for the same reasons, minus the leaves.
Summer can be hot and humid in North Carolina and there will be more traffic, but you can still certainly ride to the dam. As a bonus, its elevation and the presence of the river may keep the local weather a little bit cooler.