The picturesque Smokies were a thriving settlement before they became a popular tourist destination. If you want to enjoy some Smoky Mountain history, take a hike on the Old Sugarlands Trail! Despite it being so close to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it actually receives little traffic, making it the perfect trail for a quiet walk in nature, plus it’s full of hidden gems that the history buffs will love! Before you visit in person, learn more about the area’s historic background and a few unique structures on the Old Sugarlands Trail you’ll discover along the way:
1. The Rock House
One interesting piece of history you'll see on the Old Sugarlands Trail is the Rock House. This is a stone cottage with no roof; however, the walls are mostly intact, so you can easily walk around and explore. The inside consists of two rooms with remnants of a fireplace, as well as a bed frame and a gas stove. The Rock House was built in 1937 and is thought to have been a private fishing cabin built by outdoorsman and Knoxville native Shelby Layman. The location is very close to Big Branch stream, which is still a great area for fishing today.
2. Remnants of a CCC Camp
You’ll also find several remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps along this trail. The CCC was created by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression. There were 22 camps in the Smokies that housed 4,300 men between the ages of 18 and 25. They made improvements to the Smoky Mountains National Park that are still visible today. For example, there is an old stone quarry near the Sugarlands Visitors Center that was used to construct the first paved roads in the Smokies. In fact, Old Sugarlands Trail partly follows the abandoned Sugarlands Road, a popular route in the days before Newfound Gap Road was built! While you’re on the Old Sugarlands Trail, look out for an old stone clock tower and several other structures that were a part of a CCC camp named Camp Morgan.
3. Historical Cemetery
Before you get to The Rock House, the Old Sugarlands Trail has another historic site you’ll want to check out, a Smoky Mountain cemetery where many settlers are buried, including names of several families you might recognize, such as Ogles, Ownbys, Huskeys, and McCarters, and Coles. Hikers can reach the Sugarlands Cemetery by following a short side trail that branches off to the right less than 3 miles into the 7.5-mile trail.
More Hidden Gems in the Smokies
The Old Sugarlands Trail contains a few secret spots some people might not know about, but there are plenty of other Smoky Mountain hidden gems to find in the national park! From lesser-known hiking trails like this one to underrated scenic drives and historic sites, it’s easy to wander off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
Read more about one of our favorite hidden places to visit, Ely’s Mill at the end of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail!
