Hazel Creek is widely regarded as one of the finest trout streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This legendary freestone creek flows approximately 15 miles from its headwaters on the southwestern slope of Silers Bald down to its confluence with Fontana Lake. Named for the hazelnut shrubs that once lined its banks, Hazel Creek has earned a reputation as a premier fishing destination, offering anglers the opportunity to catch wild trout in a pristine, remote setting. Once home to the thriving logging and mining community of Proctor before the establishment of the National Park, the area now serves as a protected wilderness where visitors can experience exceptional fishing while enjoying the remnants of a bygone era.