Elkmont

Elkmont is an abandoned settlement within Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The wooden houses and cabins stand scattered beneath tall trees along the Little River, some with collapsed roofs and overgrown porches.

The lumber company operated a sawmill here from 1901 and built railroad tracks into the mountains. After logging ended, private families bought the buildings and used them as summer homes until the 1990s.

The name Elkmont comes from the logging camp era and stayed after the timber industry declined. Visitors today find decaying vacation cabins among the trees, showing how wealthy Tennessee families spent their summers here.

The buildings can be viewed from outside, but most interiors remain closed. A short walk leads from the parking area to the old structures, and additional trails connect with routes along the river.

In early summer, thousands of fireflies light up simultaneously here, creating a rare natural event. The shared blinking lasts about two weeks and attracts many observers.

Location: Sevier County

GPS coordinates: 35.65370,-83.58044

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26