It’s a big area. Keep in mind that this is a brit article.
I took the train last fall from Bryson City to Nantahala OC.
We traversed Fontana a bit. You can also see Fontana from Clingman’s Dome.
When I was about 13 & 14 I took two back country fishing trips with my dad and a family friend into Eagle Creek via Spence Field coming up from Cades Cove and across the mountain dropping back down toward Fontana Lake. First we went time the Martin kid was lost the night before on the trail and never found.
I went back up to Spense Field about 20 years ago & up to Rocky Top and Thunderhead Bald. Glad I went then while I was still able.