Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most popular attractions in the nation — Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the area’s spectacular dinner theaters. While we appreciate these famous destinations, sometimes you just want to visit attractions that are a little off the beaten path. To help you enjoy some of the less commercial attractions in our area, consider some of your options listed below!
Walkers Sisters Cabin
In Little Greenbrier, a former Appalachia mountain community resting in a narrow valley carved into the southwestern slope of Cove Mountain, visitors can access the hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains that are this homestead log cabin, springhouse, and corn crib by either the Cove Mountain Trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center or the Little Brier Gap Trail from the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Here you’ll discover historical landmarks in the Smokies that rival those found in Cades Cove and learn about the five spinster sisters who inhabited the building until the 1960’s, clinging to their mountain traditions.
White Oak Sinks
Those looking for things to do in the Smokies off the beaten path will enjoy this 2-mile trail located of the Schoolhouse Gap Trail just past Turkeypen Ridge Trail. This trail appears on no official trail maps of the area. At White Oak Sinks pieces of past history dot the landscape. Bits of rock walls, a collapsed chimney, metal cogs, and more rise from the moss-covered forest floor – hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains that speak of a bygone era. Additionally, caves and holes fill the area, creating a magnificent natural wonder. Waterfalls rush over the ridge and into caves. In the spring, phlox, yellow trillium, lady’s slippers, and more wildflowers turn the forest into a colorful painters palette. Even in the heat of summer, hikers can enjoy nature’s air-conditioning from the breezes coming from the cave. Stop by this hidden treasure on your way to Cades Cove, and you won’t be disappointed.
Gatlinburg Bypass
This 3.8-mile-long bypass of US-441 provides a picturesque view of the Gatlinburg from a high ridge. There are plenty of overlooks to enjoy the breathtaking surrounding landscape at any time of day during any seasons.
Look Rock at Foothills Parkway
The view from Look Rock Observation Tower is outstanding. Follow the signs to the trail head on the west side of the Parkway, then take the trail up to the service road, turning left on the road to reach the tower. The trail is an easy half mile hike, with asphalt paving most of the way. Once you reach the observation deck you’ll spy Gregory Bald, Thunderhead, and Clingman’s Dome in the distance.
Creation is God’s beautiful gift to humanity.
The Hedrick Family
Genesis 1:31