Elkmont Nature Trail

Welcome to Travel Tuesday! Ever visited a ghost town? If you’re ever in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I’d recommend checking out the Elkmont Nature Trail!

Elkmont Nature Trail

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com Distance: 0.8 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 95 ft
Trailhead Address: 35.65775, -83.58068

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com Elkmont used to be a logging community in the 19th and early 20th century but transitioned into being part of the tourism industry in the early 1900’s. Later on, the Appalachian Clubhouse was created as an area for members to build vacation cottages. The Wonderland Hotel was also built.

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com

In 1934, the National Park was established and started purchasing land in the area. Elkmont owners were asked to sell their land in exchange for lifetime leases (these eventually expired in 1992).

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com

As land was purchased + leases expired, ~70 buildings were left standing without anyone to maintain them, eventually becoming the Elkmont Ghost Town.

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com

These remnants were originally set for demolition, but the National Register of Historic Places placed several of the remaining cottages onto a protected list. Only a few have been restored + about 19 of these buildings still remain at this time.

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com

Elkmont Nature Trail | fairyburger.com


  • Ever been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Where did you go when you were there?
  • Have you ever visited a ghost town?

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/elkmont-nature-trail/

2 comments

  1. I have never been to a ghost town. This looks like an interesting place to explore!
    ShootingStarsMag recently posted…{Book Review} The Binding Room by Nadine MathesonMy Profile

    1. It was a cool/short little hike! :D I’ve love to get to explore more of Tennessee someday!

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