Elkmont has much history hidden in its woodlands. Just south of the campground (crossing the bridge over Little River), you'll find a clubhouse and eclectically designed cabins dating back to the early 20th century when the area was a summer retreat for business leaders from Knoxville. One row of cabins, dubbed 'Daisy Town,' has a few dwellings you can wander through, and it's simple to imagine the easy summer living, clubhouse dances and concerts as you explore this abandoned settlement.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 5.95 MILES - The story of the Smoky Mountains began in primordial times when clashing supersized continents created a chain of mountains that are today among the… 
 - 11.3 MILES - In Appalachian parlance, a cove means a valley, but Cades Cove is far more than that. One of the most popular destinations in the Tennessee section of… 
 - 8.15 MILES - Mt LeConte (6593ft) is the park’s third-highest peak and one of its most familiar sights, visible from practically every viewpoint. The only way to get to… 
 - 18.92 MILES - This remarkable modern museum traces Cherokee history from their Paleo-Indian roots onwards. Its villain is the perfidious Andrew Jackson, who made his… 
  - 11.57 MILES - On April 15, 1912, the steamship Titanic sank on her maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg. The ship's history and the stories of many of her… 
 - 15.49 MILES - To get bread on the table, early residents of Cades Cove first had to mill their grains and corn. Above all other staples, corn was the most important… 
 - 7.78 MILES - ‘On top of Old Smoky’ is Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643ft), the park’s highest peak. At the summit, a steep, half-mile paved trail leads to an observation… 
 - 17.83 MILES - One of the park's most picturesque 19th-century buildings, the Mingus Mill is a turbine-powered mill that still grinds wheat and corn much as it has since… 
Nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park attractions
3.49 MILES
This scenic overlook provides a sweeping view of the various types of forests covering the slopes to the east. You'll see spruce-fir forest at the top,…
4.09 MILES
A lovely spot for a picnic, with tables set up along the Little River. Afterwards you can dip your feet in the cool, rushing waters.
4.68 MILES
A requisite stop when driving Little River Rd is this series of cascades just off the road. Here, the Little River makes a sharp hairpin turn, with water…
4.97 MILES
If you don't have time to take a chairlift from downtown Gatlinburg to a scenic lookout, you can enjoy a lofty view of downtown and the surrounding…
5. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
5.13 MILES
Ride the scenic 2-mile aerial tramway to the Bavarian-themed Ober Gatlinburg ski resort and amusement park. At the amusement park you'll find an indoor…
5.4 MILES
This ski-resort chairlift swoops you high into the Smokies, providing stellar views. The lofty SkyDeck and the 680ft-long SkyBridge, the longest…
7. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
5.72 MILES
One of eight Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg, the aquarium is a convenient rainy-day destination – just be aware that everyone else downtown will have…
5.73 MILES
A 'chondola' whisks visitors from downtown Gatlinburg to this playground in the sky, where views of the Great Smokies are superb. Once atop Anakeesta…




 


