5 Historic Sites & Cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 9, 2025

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not just a haven for nature lovers but also a treasure trove of history! For visitors who want to explore more than just trails and vistas, the park’s historic sites and cabins provide a unique window into the region’s past. When you step into these historic sites, you get a glimpse of the resilience, community, and tradition that has shaped the Appalachian way of life. Here are 5 historic sites and cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you should check out:

1. The Churches of Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and its historic churches are a highlight! The Cades Cove churches, which include Primitive Baptist Church, Missionary Baptist Church, and Methodist Church, were centers of community life in the 1800s. Guests can explore these simple but charming structures, complete with old pews and pulpits, and step back in time. Don’t forget about the surrounding cemeteries, which offer even more insight into the lives of early settlers.

2. Elkmont Ghost Town

Elkmont, once a vibrant logging town and vacation destination, is now a ghost town frozen in time. You’ll find the remnants of numerous buildings and cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offer a fascinating look at life during the early 20th century. The eerie beauty of these abandoned structures contrasts with the area’s natural beauty, making for a truly one-of-a-kind place to visit in the national park.

3. Walker Sisters Place

The Walker Sisters Place is a testament to the resilience and independence of Appalachian women. These sisters were the only family who decided to not sell their land to the National Park Service when the Smoky Mountains became a national park. They continued their traditional ways of life as they watched all their neighbors move out. This preserved homestead includes a log cabin, springhouse, and corn crib, offering a rare look into a self-sufficient lifestyle common in the early days of the Smokies.

4. The Little Greenbrier School

Built in 1882, the Little Greenbrier School served as both a schoolhouse and a church for the local community. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of the importance of education and faith in early Appalachian culture. You can even step inside, take a seat at the old wooden desks, and imagine what it was like for children to learn in this small community over a century ago!

5. Mingus Mill

Mingus Mill, located near the Oconaulftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of the national park, is a historic grist mill built in 1886. Unlike the usual mills of its time, Mingus Mill uses a water-powered turbine rather than a traditional water wheel. The mill remains operational today, and visitors can watch demonstrations of cornmeal being ground while learning about the vital role mills played in the lives of early settlers.

Step back into time when you visit these historic buildings and cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Interested in seeing more than just history when you visit the park? Check out some popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!