Elkmont Historic District: A Smoky Mountain Ghost Town
Discover a unique piece of Smoky Mountain history in this preserved ghost town, once a logging camp and resort community.
Explore the Elkmont Historic District in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a preserved ghost town that was once a bustling logging camp and resort for wealthy vacationers. Wander through restored buildings and imagine life in this unique mountain community from the early 20th century [1, 6].
A brief summary to Elkmont Historic District
- Tennessee, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the historic area and nearby trails [3].
- Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and serene natural surroundings [3].
- Visit during the spring to see wildflowers in bloom along the trails [8, 10].
- Check the National Park Service website for updates on building restoration and accessibility [6].
Getting There
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Driving
From Gatlinburg, take US-441 S to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Drive towards Cades Cove for approximately 7 miles, then follow the signs for Elkmont Campground [3, 6]. Turn at the campground sign and continue for about 4 miles until you reach the ranger station. Turn left at the sign for Elkmont Nature Trail, where you'll find a parking lot within walking distance of the historic district [3]. Parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Daily tags are $5, weekly tags are $15, and annual tags are $40 [9].
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Walking
From the Elkmont Campground, follow Little River Road, which skirts around the east side of the campground [1, 4]. Continue until you reach the Jakes Creek Trailhead parking area, which places you in the heart of the Elkmont Historic District [1]. From the parking area, it is a short walk to explore the various buildings and trails within the district. No additional costs are associated with walking into the district from the campground.
Discover more about Elkmont Historic District
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elkmont Historic District
0.0 km
Explore the historic charm and natural beauty of Elkmont Historic District in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, a journey through time and nature.
Wonderland Hotel - Elkmont Club Buildings
1.2 km
Explore the historical charm of the Wonderland Hotel - Elkmont Club Buildings in Gatlinburg, TN, where nature meets fascinating stories from the past.
Mayna Treanor Avent Studio
1.8 km
Explore the rich artistic heritage of Mayna Treanor at her historic studio in Gatlinburg, where creativity meets the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies.
John Ownby Cabin
4.7 km
Explore the historic John Ownby Cabin in Sevierville, TN, a charming glimpse into the life of early Smoky Mountain settlers amidst breathtaking nature.
Sugarlands Rock House
6.3 km
Experience the historical allure and natural beauty of Sugarlands Rock House in the Great Smoky Mountains – a must-visit landmark for every traveler.
Ober Mountain Tramway Mall
8.2 km
Discover the perfect blend of shopping, fun, and adventure at Ober Mountain Tramway Mall in Gatlinburg, a must-visit destination in the Smoky Mountains.
Downtown Gatlinburg.com
8.4 km
Discover Gatlinburg’s best attractions and local insights at the Downtown Tourist Information Center, your gateway to adventure in the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
8.5 km
Discover breathtaking views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains from the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, a must-visit attraction for every traveler.
Impossibilities-Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem!
8.5 km
Discover the enchanting world of magic and illusion at Impossibilities, Gatlinburg's premier performing arts theater, where laughter and wonder await!
Chimneys Picnic Area
8.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Chimneys Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for picnics and outdoor adventures.
Sugarlands Distilling Company
8.6 km
Experience the best of Tennessee's craft spirits at Sugarlands Distilling Company, where tradition meets innovation in distilling.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
8.6 km
Discover the world’s oddities and curiosities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg, an unforgettable attraction for curious travelers.
The Escape Game Gatlinburg
8.6 km
Experience the thrill of adventure at The Escape Game Gatlinburg, where immersive escape rooms challenge your wits and teamwork skills amidst stunning Smoky Mountain scenery.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
8.6 km
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Gatlin’s Mini Golf
8.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Huskey Branch Falls
3.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Huskey Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mannis Branch Falls
3.6 km
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
5.2 km
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Mount Harrison
5.3 km
Discover the breathtaking views and serene trails of Mount Harrison in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, an unforgettable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
5.4 km
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Bullhead Quiet Walkway
5.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Bullhead Quiet Walkway in Gatlinburg, TN, where nature invites you to explore and rejuvenate.
Smokies Life
5.5 km
Visit Smokies Life Visitor Center in Gatlinburg for essential resources and insights to explore the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains.
Courthouse Rock
5.5 km
Explore Courthouse Rock in Gatlinburg, TN - a stunning natural formation perfect for hiking and breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.
Cataract Falls
5.5 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Cataract Falls in the Smoky Mountains, a serene destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Carlos C. Campbell Overlook
5.6 km
Discover stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains at Carlos C. Campbell Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Ober Mountain
5.9 km
Experience year-round fun at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where adventure meets breathtaking views in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Little Greenbrier School
6.1 km
Explore Little Greenbrier School: A historic gem nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, perfect for hiking and discovering Tennessee's rich heritage.
Walker Sisters Place
6.2 km
Explore the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the Walker Sisters Place, a treasured historical landmark in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Great Smoky Mountains
6.7 km
Explore the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains, a breathtaking natural wonder filled with diverse wildlife, stunning vistas, and rich cultural heritage.
The Sinks
7.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of The Sinks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Essential places to dine
E'terie
7.9 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at E'terie in Gatlinburg - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors and hospitality.
The Peddler Steakhouse
8.0 km
Discover unparalleled dining at The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg - where delicious steaks meet breathtaking river views.
The Park Grill
8.0 km
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Crockett's Breakfast Camp
8.1 km
Indulge in hearty Southern breakfasts at Crockett's Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg - A must-visit culinary gem nestled in the Smoky Mountains.
Cumberland Jacks LeConte Kitchen
8.1 km
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Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
8.1 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que in Gatlinburg—where smoky flavors meet warm hospitality.
Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg
8.1 km
Discover handcrafted beers and delicious American cuisine at Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg - a perfect blend for craft beer lovers.
Calhoun's in Gatlinburg
8.1 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Calhoun's in Gatlinburg - where smoky flavors meet hearty portions amidst stunning mountain views.
Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse
8.2 km
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Howard's Restaurant Gatlinburg's Oldest Restaurant
8.2 km
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Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Elks Plaza
8.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria in Gatlinburg—where every meal feels like a trip to Italy.
The Melting Pot
8.3 km
Experience the art of fondue at The Melting Pot in Gatlinburg - where culinary delight meets fine dining.
TGI Fridays
8.3 km
Experience classic American cuisine at TGI Fridays in Gatlinburg—where great food meets vibrant atmosphere!
Dick's Last Resort - Gatlinburg
8.5 km
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Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
8.5 km
Experience delicious seafood at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., where coastal charm meets cinematic magic in Gatlinburg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Puzzled
5.9 km
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Giftville
8.2 km
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Gifts Unlimited
8.3 km
Explore a world of unique gifts and local treasures at Gifts Unlimited in Gatlinburg, the perfect stop for unforgettable souvenirs.
Season's Best
8.4 km
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Unique Gifts & T's II
8.5 km
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Fab Tees & Souvenirs
8.6 km
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Southern Moon Gifts And Clothing
8.7 km
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All American Souvenirs
8.7 km
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Gift Corner
8.8 km
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Unique Shop
8.8 km
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SkyShop
8.8 km
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Gift Warehouse
8.9 km
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The Sock Shop
8.9 km
Discover a whimsical collection of unique socks at The Sock Shop in Gatlinburg, perfect for gifts or a cozy treat for yourself!
The Honey Pot
8.9 km
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Fashion Paradise
8.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Salty Bear
8.2 km
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Dude's Daiquiris
8.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing flavors at Dude's Daiquiris, Gatlinburg's ultimate bar destination for tourists.
Shamrock Pub
8.6 km
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Old smokey barrelhouse
8.8 km
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Boudicca's Celtic Pub
8.9 km
Discover the heart of Celtic culture at Boudicca's Celtic Pub, where traditional dishes and live music create an unforgettable experience in Gatlinburg.
The Bar At The Top Of The World
9.1 km
Discover breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere at The Bar At The Top Of The World in Gatlinburg, a perfect retreat for tourists.
Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine and refreshing cocktails at Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville in Gatlinburg.
Sugarland s
9.3 km
Discover the lively spirit of Gatlinburg at Sugarlands, where great drinks and live music create unforgettable memories in the Smoky Mountains.
Tower Bar at Anakeesta
9.3 km
Discover Tower Bar at Anakeesta - a charming bar in Gatlinburg offering breathtaking views, exquisite drinks, and the essence of Southern hospitality.
License to Chill Bar
9.3 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxed ambiance of License to Chill Bar in Gatlinburg, where every meal feels like a mini-vacation.
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
9.3 km
Discover the heart of craft brewing at Gatlinburg Brewing Company, where unique flavors and a cozy atmosphere await every beer lover.
SHINE SHACK
9.4 km
Experience vibrant nightlife at SHINE SHACK in Gatlinburg, where local brews and creative cocktails create memorable moments.
Company Distilling
13.0 km
Explore the heart of Tennessee's craft distilling at Company Distilling, where artistry meets flavor in a beautiful setting.
Funky Budha
14.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Funky Budha in Pigeon Forge, where delicious dining meets energetic music and a unique hookah experience.
Peaceful Side Social | Townsend
14.7 km
Experience delightful dining and craft brews at Peaceful Side Social, a charming restaurant in Townsend, TN, perfect for tourists and locals alike.
