Elkmont Ghost Town
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
One of the most popular historic attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Elkmont Ghost Town gives you a taste of what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains more than a century ago. See how the area transformed from a logging camp to a resort town for Knoxville’s elite, plus visit the fully restored clubhouse and eclectic 20th-century cabins that are still standing today.
The basics
Elkmont Ghost Town may look like little more than a collection of old cabins from afar, but a tour tells a different story. A guide can explain the town’s evolution into a hotspot for wealthy Tennessee residents, and its subsequent demise and rebirth after the National Park Service gained ownership. Though many of the cabins have been demolished, others are still standing, including restored cabins in the Daisy Town section. You can visit on your own by hiking the Jakes Creek or Little River Trails, which take you past some of the remnants of demolished cabins.
Things to know before you go
- You need a park pass to visit Elkmont Ghost Town, as it’s located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- The closest parking is at Jakes Creek Trailhead.
- There are no restrooms at Elkmont Ghost Town, but facilities are available at the nearby Elkmont Campground.
- Elkmont Ghost Town is partially wheelchair accessible. You can see some cabins from the road, but you have to use a non-accessible hiking trail to see the rest.
How to get there
Elkmont Ghost Town is roughly a 25-minute drive from Gatlinburg off Little River Gorge Road. The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can also walk about 15 minutes south from nearby Elkmont Campground. There are a number of private, authorized shuttle services you can book to take you through the park hassle-free.
When to get there
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons to visit Elkmont Ghost Town, when mild weather makes for more pleasant outdoor adventures. However, this time of year can also be more crowded, especially in October when peak fall foliage draws visitors from around the country. Try to arrive early for the best chance of getting a parking spot.
See the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont
Elkmont Campground is one of the best places in the world to view synchronous fireflies—a species of firefly that flashes in perfect synchronicity, lighting up the night sky in bursts. Park entrance is available only by lottery during peak synchronous firefly season, which is around a week in June. Visit the official park website for details about how to plan your visit while the synchronous fireflies are out.
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