Great Smoky Mountain Bucket List Item

📝Description/Tips: Elkmont Resort - Abandoned cabin resort from the 1800s in the Great Smoky National Park. This was a small valley where two rivers in the mountains converged. They built these cabins in the 1800’s and guests arrived by trains.

These cabins housed families looking to escape the heat and pollution of the city. They enjoyed summer activities and playing bingo and gathering at the Appalachian Club.

The Appalachian Club was built in 1910 as their sportsman club after the resort was promoted by the lumber company. The members included business and civic leaders from Knoxville, TN. It also served as a hotel for members. This area was commonly referenced by the members as “Club Town”. We sat in the rocking chairs and imagined what life was like back then while listening to the river run by.

You can walk in every one of these cabins and they all have different features. The fireplaces are absolutely beautiful and unique. One cabin was built in 1830, 195 years ago and it was moved here to house a servant for one of the wealthy cabin owners.

This is highly recommended next time you’re in the area. Look up “Elkmont Resort” on Google maps and it will lead you right to it.

⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💸 Price Range: Free

📍 City/Country: Gatlinburg, Townsend, TN

Elkmont Campground
2025/2/19 Edited to

... Read moreElkmont Resort is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Nestled within the stunning landscape of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this site tells the rich story of the cabin community that thrived over a century ago. The cabins, built during the 1800s, showcase beautiful architecture and artifacts from a time when families sought refuge from urban life. The Appalachian Club, a central part of the resort, hosted extravagant social events including dances and card games, bringing together local dignitaries and their families. Visitors can explore various cabins, each with unique features and history, including a fireplace dating back to 1830. As you walk through these historic structures, take a moment to imagine the lively summer gatherings that once took place here. In addition to its historical significance, Elkmont offers stunning views of the converging rivers and lush mountain landscapes, making it a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation. For a rich blend of culture, history, and nature, add Elkmont Resort to your Great Smoky Mountain bucket list. Don't forget to check Google Maps for directions to this unforgettable piece of American history!

22 comments

Countryman50's images
Countryman50

That’s so cool n I just might have to take ride just to see this place

See more(1)
Love pets's images
Love pets

Should try to reopen them!!! They look so cool❤️

See more(2)

See more comments

Related posts

bucket list item for bookworms
I FINALLY got to visit The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn, NY and OMG it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded all my expectations. This place is truly a romance book lovers paradise. It’s pretty. It’s pink. It’s girlie. It is my dream.   This is a ROMANCE ONLY bookstore, and they’ve got such an a
emmalouisebooks

emmalouisebooks

2773 likes

A woman sits inside a train, looking out the window at a river and autumn trees, with the text 'Romantic Getaway in The Great Smoky Mountains' overlaid.
A collage shows a private soaking cabana experience at Lakeview at Fontana, featuring a woman on a balcony, a man reading, robes, and a bathtub with a scenic view.
A collage depicts a morning hike to Mingo Falls in Cherokee, NC, showing the waterfall, hikers, and autumn leaves on the ground.
The Great Smoky Mountains - 3-Day Weekend
Day 1 ⛰️🧖🏼‍♀️ We arrived at Lakeview at Fontana Soaking Cabana Resort , our home away from home for the weekend for our 90-minute Treetop Soaking Cabana reservation. We enjoyed a completely private spa experience with a breathtaking view. It was so relaxing and the perfect start to our romanti
Haze 🪼

Haze 🪼

267 likes

Smoky Mountain Nationals Watch on YouTube
#truck #trucks #youtuber
Dixie Customs

Dixie Customs

7 likes

A flat lay of travel essentials including a pink instant camera, sunglasses, cosmetics, and a notebook on a pink suitcase, with "NATIONAL PARK BUCKETLIST" text.
A wooden boardwalk path extends through a dense forest with tall trees and green undergrowth, labeled "Congaree South Carolina".
A scenic view of mountains at sunrise or sunset, with fog in the valleys and evergreen trees, labeled "Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee".
National Park Bucketlist
These are the national parks that I want to see the most! #lemon8diarychallenge #nationalparks #lemon8bucketlist #bucketlist
𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓮  ♡

𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓮 ♡

16 likes

🏡 Meet Your Smoky Mountain Real Estate Expert
Not all REALTORS® are the same… and that’s okay. Here’s what you should know about me. I don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics. I believe in answering the phone, returning calls, being honest, and helping people make smart decisions with one of the biggest investments of their lives
karencubb1

karencubb1

0 likes

A family of six stands on a scenic mountain overlook in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with green mountains in the background. The image features a yellow text bubble stating '20 Things to do Gatlinburg, Tennessee'.
A first-person view from a mountain coaster cart at night, showing the track illuminated by colorful red, purple, and yellow lights from the surrounding trees. The text overlay reads 'Moonshine mountain coaster'.
A plate of food, including corn on the cob and meat, on a table at the Dolly Parton Stampede dinner show. Performers on horseback are visible on a stage in the background.
20 things to do Smoky Mountain, Tennessee
Our family trip to the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee was nothing short of magical! 🌄✨ From scenic drives to hidden waterfalls, every moment felt like a scene from a movie. I had no idea how breathtakingly beautiful this place truly is — photos just don’t do it justice! In just 3 days, we packed in
JohvonSalon/ East Texas Hair

JohvonSalon/ East Texas Hair

27 likes

VISIT: SMOKY MOUNTAINS ⛰️🌲🌊
i just recently visited the smoky mountains & here is my compiled list of some fun things to do !! 📍 Abrams Falls Trailhead ℹ️ Free parking with Smoky Mountain Parking Pass (we got the week one for $15). This hike is 5 miles out and back and offers swimming at the falls. 📍 CLIMB Work
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

37 likes

Two people swim in a natural river swimming hole surrounded by large mossy rocks and lush green forest, with a small waterfall in the background. The image highlights a 'SWIMMING OASIS IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS'.
A person wears a black t-shirt and a hydration pack, emphasizing the need to 'PACK WATER' due to humid conditions during the hike in the Smoky Mountains.
A shaded forest trail winds through dense green trees and foliage, illustrating the '1.5 MILE HIKE TO THE SWIMMING HOLE' in the Smoky Mountains.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN SWIMMING OASIS + WATERFALL 🌊✨☁️
your sign to visit this swimming hole on your next trip to the smoky mountains! all details below ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🌲trail: mouse creek falls via big creek trail (findable on alltrails) 🌲length: 4 miles when going all the way to the waterfall | 3 miles without going to the waterfall 🌲average tim
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

61 likes

A black decorative gate with the word "ANAKEESTA" in white letters, leading to a tall observation tower under a blue sky with white clouds, surrounded by green trees.
A roadside view of the Hollywood Wax Museum building, featuring a Mount Rushmore-style facade, a large gorilla figure, and a prominent "TURN HERE" sign, under a bright blue sky.
A man and a woman standing by a rustic wooden fence, posing with a panoramic view of lush green mountains and a town in the valley under a partly cloudy sky.
Great smoky mountain trip
#lemon8diarychallenge #smokymountains #gatlinburg #anakeesta #fallvibes🍂
Briseyda.00

Briseyda.00

10 likes

Smoky Mountain Christmas Bucket List
It’s officially Christmas time and there is so much to do this holiday season. What do you plan to do for sure this Christmas?
Southern Sarah

Southern Sarah

10 likes

summer bucket list idea 🫐☀️🌿🦋✨
blueberry patch picking with friends!! #summer #summeraesthetic #summerbucklist #mountainlife #blueberrypicking #blueberrypie #bohoaesthetic #bohohome #aesthetics #lemon8summer
DevanCarter

DevanCarter

89 likes

Great Smoky Mountain 🏔️
Living Out My Dreams ? Should I say, My Dreams/Desire Becoming My Reality ✨ I was blessed to be able to experience Gatlinburg. This was my birthday trip & I must admit it was everything I could have ever expected it to be. I had been wanting to visit after seeing others go & share thei
Adrienne

Adrienne

27 likes

A scenic landscape featuring green hills, tall pine trees, and distant mountains under a sunset sky, with the text 'MY TRAVEL Bucketlist!' overlayed.
A wooden boardwalk winding through a dense forest of giant redwood trees in Sequoia National Park, with sunlight filtering through the canopy.
A panoramic view of rolling mountains covered in lush forests, bathed in the warm light of a sunset or sunrise in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
My Travel Bucketlist! - National Parks
I thought I’d start a new series about places that are on my travel bucketlist! Today I wanted to show some of the beautiful national parks across the United States! I think sometimes we can forget how much natural beauty we have here at home when we get caught up in fun travels elsewhere! So, here
Hailey Danner

Hailey Danner

12 likes

A collage titled '100 Bucket List Ideas' showing '72 COMPLETED' and an illustration of Meredith Jao. It features six illustrated bucket list items: binge-watching TV, joining a school club, writing a gratitude list, talking all night with friends, publishing a Lemon8 post, and decluttering space.
A collage titled '100 Bucket List Ideas' displaying twelve illustrated items: joining a book club, attending a football game, dancing in the rain, winning a raffle, writing a letter, writing a poem, organizing apps, redecorating, watching a horror movie, getting an A+, drinking water, and visiting a theme park.
A collage titled '100 Bucket List Ideas' featuring twelve illustrated items: volunteering, meditating, growing a plant, getting a driver's license, buying parents a gift, slow dancing, cooking a fancy meal, wine tasting, experimenting with style, confessing to a crush, attending a concert, and exercising.
Check out my 100 Bucket List Ideas!
I’ve completed 72 things on this list: ✅Binge-watch a TV show ✅Join a school club to meet new people ✅Write a list of things that you are grateful for ✅Stay up all night talking with your best friends ✅Publish your first Lemon8 post ✅Declutter your space ✅Join Lemon8 Book Club and share your
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

20 likes

Dark Smoky Mountain Elopement
Dark Smoky Mountain Elopement Inspiration If you’ve ever dreamed of a moody, romantic elopement in the Smoky Mountains… this is your sign. Erika + Donnie chose Chapel in the Hollow for their intimate forest wedding, and their day was the perfect mix of bold style and heartfelt moments. They st
ChapelHollow

ChapelHollow

14 likes

THINGS TO DO IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS ⛰️🌲🌊
i just recently visited the smoky mountains & here is my compiled list of some fun things to do !! 📍 Abrams Falls Trail ℹ️ Free parking with Smoky Mountain Parking Pass (we got the week one for $15). This hike is 5 miles out and back and offers swimming at the falls. 📍 CLIMB Works Sm
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

40 likes

Great smoky mountain 🏔️
#mountains #mountainlife #summerbod #roomtour #unfiltered
Zahid Rasheed

Zahid Rasheed

10 likes

Coloring therapy....Smoky Mountain style✨
Coloring pages like this are my kind of therapy 🌼🎨 🛍 Available on Amazon Miss Daisy's Books "Great Smoky Mountains Easter coloring book"!
Miss Daisy

Miss Daisy

1 like

My 100 item bucket list to complete in 2026!✨👏🏼
I’ve checked off 17 things on this list ✅ Come and explore the full list of things worth doing in your lifetime and see how many you've completed! #My 100itemBucketList
Maria Rodriguez

Maria Rodriguez

0 likes

Great smoky mountain 🏔️
Bokty Mountain in Mangystau, Kazakhstan, looks like something from another planet, but it's completely natural. This strange and beautiful mountain has sharp edges, soft curves, and layers of color that make it look like a painting or a sculpture. Wind and water shaped it over millions of years
Ouliw.k🇺🇸 ⵣ

Ouliw.k🇺🇸 ⵣ

1 like

A clean, organized white desk setup with a monitor, laptop, and office supplies. Overlaid text reads "my 100-item bucket list for 2024 :)" and "self growth, productivity, fun," with a checklist graphic.
A desk setup featuring the first 60 items of a 100-item bucket list for 2024. Annotations highlight "going to vermont in february!" and show a graphic of three people hugging.
A desk setup displaying the remaining 40 items (61-100) of a 100-item bucket list. Annotations point to "watch the sunrise" and "strengthen my relationships with friends," with a checklist graphic.
my 100-item bucket list for 2024 :)
my bucket list for this year (and maybe next year too!) i have a busy (but super fun) year ahead of me, and now that i’ve written out my mental bucket list, i’m even more excited for 2024 :) i don’t plan on being able to do all of these things this year, but a lot of the things included are thin
lia 💗

lia 💗

198 likes

bucket list activities in alaska
An Alaska cruise is certainly a bucket list item no matter what, but if you're looking to make the most of your exploration options on your trip, these are the three activities I would highly recommend! If you can only choose one, the seaplane tour was such a unique experience to see a piece
Marisa • Travel

Marisa • Travel

8 likes

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
#northcarolina #greatsmokymountains North Carolina #blueridgemountains
Glam and Getaways

Glam and Getaways

1 like

A stack of books with text indicating a goal to read 500 books, an item to check off a bucket list. An icon of a book with '500' is also present.
A stack of various books, including 'A Court of Silver Flames', illustrating the progress towards a reading goal of 500 books, with over 200 already read.
A hand holding the book 'Ruthless Vows' by Rebecca Ross, accompanied by text offering tips on breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable segments for reading.
BUCKET LIST ADVICE
Having a bucket list can be SO fun and inspiring for life goals. I haven’t had a specific one in years but reading wise, I always have a list of things I want to accomplish! For example, I want to hit the milestone of 500 books read. I’ve set yearly reading goals for the past 3 or 4 years which
KENNEDY ♡

KENNEDY ♡

37 likes

Autumn Smoky Mountain Wedding
Alyssa + Clayton’s Autumn Smoky Mountain Wedding There’s something magical about fall weddings in the Smokies — the colors, the mist, the cozy forest vibes — and Alyssa + Clayton’s day was all of that and more. They said “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow, our little outdoor micro wedding chapel t
ChapelHollow

ChapelHollow

2 likes

Homestead Smoky Mountain National Park
Stepping onto the porch of the John Ogle Homestead feels like walking straight into early Appalachian history. Cades Cove holds some of the oldest stories in the Smoky Mountains—families who built their lives by hand, lived off the land, and woke up to these exact same blue-tinted ridges. I l
travelingisfoodforthesoul

travelingisfoodforthesoul

7 likes

Great Smoky Mountains 📍🏔️ ✨
📍Location: Gatlinburg, TN & Pigeon Forge, TN 🏔️Favorite Spots: Paula Deen’s restaurant, Boot Factory Outlet, Rockytop Mountain Coaster, Sun Dinner, Arcadia, Space Race Adventures, Adventure Raceway, Tanger Outlets, @Gatlinburg Winery , Ole’ smoky distillery (aka: “The Holler
CourtNAY

CourtNAY

134 likes

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Went hiking today and saw some amazing things. There is nothing like standing on a mountain to make you feel alive. If you needed to hear it today: 🗣️TAKE THE TRIP. National parks are always beautiful, but the Smoky mountains are unreal. It is hard to believe what you are seeing when you look at
Autumn Moore

Autumn Moore

10 likes

A festive night scene at Dollywood, featuring a street adorned with numerous red bell-shaped lights hanging overhead and bright red illuminated Christmas trees lining the path, with people walking below. The image encourages adding this to a holiday bucket list.
The brightly lit Showstreet Palace Theater at Dollywood at night, decorated for Christmas with a 'Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas' sign in front, surrounded by red foliage and lights. The image provides information about Dollywood.
A steam train, the Dollywood Express, emitting smoke as it passes a water tower labeled 'Dollywood' amidst a winter landscape with bare trees. The image provides event details for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from Nov. 1, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025, at $82 per day.
Smoky Mountain Christmas 🎄
Europe might have Christmas Markets but we have Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas 🎄 A few things you have to do while you’re there: 🍞 Try the warm cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill ❄️ View 6 million holiday lights 🚂 Ride the Dollywood Express train 🎶 Enjoy the seasonal performances
brittany

brittany

47 likes

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#smokymountain #paisajes #cascadas #aventuras #tennessee
Felipao Gomez

Felipao Gomez

140 likes

A Little-Known Island for ur Travel Bucketlist
Odds are, you’ve probably never heard of this under-the-radar paradise 🤫 Located off the northern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Spanish Wells is a Bahamian fishing village just bursting at the seams with the most ~coastal charm~ Here’s just a few reasons it remains one of my favorite se
Lauren.e.albury

Lauren.e.albury

13 likes

Bucket list item in Istanbul
Location details👇🏼 Imagine stepping underground into a dimly lit, 1500 year old water reservoir, where towering columns rise from the depths, and the sound of dripping water echoes around you. 📍Basilica Cistern—one of Istanbul’s most magical and mysterious sites. Originally built in the 6
Ash🚌🌎✈️

Ash🚌🌎✈️

35 likes

Smoky Mountain Railroad
road through the nantahala river gorge and it was cold and foggy but captured some great pics! #greatsmokymountains railroad #train #vacayvibes #NC #scenicviews
gin

gin

1 like

Two people swim in a dark river, surrounded by large mossy rocks and lush green forest, with a small waterfall in the background, highlighting a swimming oasis in the Smoky Mountains.
A person wears a black t-shirt and a blue hydration pack, emphasizing the importance of packing water due to humid conditions during the hike.
A shaded forest trail winds through dense green foliage, illustrating the 1.5-mile hike required to reach the swimming hole.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN SWIMMING OASIS + WATERFALL 🌊✨☁️
your sign to visit this swimming hole on your next trip to the smoky mountains! all details below ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🌲trail: mouse creek falls via big creek trail (findable on alltrails) 🌲length: 4 miles when going all the way to the waterfall | 3 miles without going to the waterfall 🌲average tim
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

15 likes

Peaceful River Drive Through Great Smoky Mountains
Sometimes the best moments in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the quiet ones. Driving alongside the flowing rivers with mountain views all around is one of the most peaceful experiences in the Smokies. #smokymountains #greatsmokymountains #nationalpark #mountaindrive #travel
travelingisfoodforthesoul

travelingisfoodforthesoul

2 likes

#Gatlinburg #smokymountain
Eli

Eli

7 likes

Why I Gave Cades Cove a Smoky Mountain upgrade 🐻
The grayscale pages packed their bags and moved out. 😆 I redesigned the book with cleaner, traditional line art so colorists have more freedom and a better coloring experience. Same beautiful Smoky Mountain scenes.. just refreshed and improved! ✨️Would you rather color grayscale pages or tradition
Miss Daisy

Miss Daisy

1 like

A woman stands in an office, holding a heart-shaped sign that reads "HOME is where the HEART is!" and "SOUTH LAND TITLE". The background features a "SOUTH LAND TITLE" sign and text overlays indicating "MY 100 BUCKET LIST" and "SCORE 60/100 !!".
A graphic titled "100 Bucket List Ideas" shows "60 COMPLETED" and illustrations for six tasks: writing a list, publishing a Lemon8 post, decluttering, dancing in the rain, winning a raffle, and writing a letter to oneself.
A graphic titled "100 Bucket List Ideas" displays twelve illustrated tasks, including writing a poem, organizing apps, redecorating, watching a horror movie, getting an A+, drinking water, growing plants, getting a driver's license, buying gifts, cooking, wine tasting, and experimenting with hairstyles.
My 100 item bucket list to complete in 2024!✨👏🏼
Heyyyy ! Here the lemon challenge bucket list !!! ideas !!! This are the ones that I’ve completed! #100bucketlistideas #bucketlistchallenge #Lemon8Diary #storytime #lemon8challenge #lemon8contest
Call Me BooYang

Call Me BooYang

13 likes

A person in a bib suit stands in the clear, turquoise river of The Narrows, holding a walking stick. Towering reddish-brown canyon walls rise on both sides, creating a dramatic natural corridor.
A person in a bib suit sits on a large rock by the river, looking up at the majestic, colorful canyon walls and lush green foliage in Zion National Park.
A person in a bib suit stands in the clear river, holding a walking stick, with towering canyon walls and green trees under a bright blue sky in Zion National Park.
Bucket list hike: The Narrows
Growing up I had never heard of Zion National Park. I am from the east coast, we didn’t come out this way and I don’t recall ever learning about it, either. Fast forward to traveling full-time, I quickly learned about it and couldn’t wait to go. About 6 months ago we were planning our travel route
Ash🚌🌎✈️

Ash🚌🌎✈️

84 likes

Check out 100 Bucket List Ideas!
I’ve completed 59 things on this list: ✅Binge-watch a TV show ✅Join a school club to meet new people ✅Stay up all night talking with your best friends ✅Publish your first Lemon8 post ✅Declutter your space ✅Join Lemon8 Book Club and share your book reviews ✅Attend a football game ✅Dance in t
ExpressoSolut

ExpressoSolut

5 likes

Great smoky mountain 🏔️
curtlee_373

curtlee_373

2 likes

100 Bucket List Ideas! ✨💯
I’ve completed 43 things on this list: ✅Binge-watch a TV show ✅Join a school club to meet new people ✅Write a list of things that you are grateful for ✅Stay up all night talking with your best friends ✅Publish your first Lemon8 post ✅Declutter your space ✅Attend a football game ✅Dance in th
Brooks Forever

Brooks Forever

9 likes

March Smoky Mountain Elopement
Nicole + Randy’s March Smoky Mountain Elopement If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding that feels completely you… this is your sign. Nicole and Randy brought all the personality to our little outdoor micro wedding chapel in the forests of East Tennessee, blending burgundy + navy details with the
ChapelHollow

ChapelHollow

2 likes

Smoky mountain views
Smoky Mountain Views #smokymountains #smokymountain #mountainview #mountainliving #mountainlovers
Sarah Patterson

Sarah Patterson

348 likes

See more