If you're a history lover, you should go for a hike in the Smokies. A lot of the trails have expertly preserved historical cabins and other structures. Need help figuring out where to go first? We've got you covered with this list of scenic Smoky Mountain hikes with historical structures:
1. The Old Sugarlands Trail
The Old Sugarlands Trail begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Tennessee. While the hike is 7.8 miles roundtrip, the terrain is mostly flat because the route follows former Tennessee Highway 71. The main structure visitors will see on the Old Sugarlands Trail is the Rock House. It was built in 1937 by a Knoxville native named Shelby Layman. The cottage has no roof, with the walls intact. There are two rooms with remnants of a fireplace, bed frame, and stove.
Other historical gems to look out for on this hike include remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp (CCC). This group of men was formed by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression. Their hard work is visible today!
2. Fighting Creek Nature Trail
A shorter hike that also begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center is the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. The route is just 1.4 miles roundtrip which makes it suitable for any experience level. Hikers will find the John Ownby Cabin along this trail! It was built around 1850. It is unclear who exactly constructed the cabin because many members of the Ownby family had the name John.
The cabin ended up being the last surviving structure of the Forks of the River community. It is made of poplar and pine logs that are held together by dovetail notching rather than screws and nails. The single-room homestead has a covered front porch outside and a fireplace inside. Think of how awesome it would be to have Smoky Mountain beauty just steps outside your front door!
3. Porters Creek Trail
Another one of the Smoky Mountain hikes with historical structures to check out is the Porters Creek Trail. It is 4 miles roundtrip! Hikers will travel through a lush portion of forest alongside the trail’s namesake. You will first see some stone walls, remnants of the Elbert Centrell farmstead. As you travel further along, look out for an old cemetery!
When it comes to history, the crown jewel of this trail is the cantilever barn that was part of John Messer’s farmstead. It dates back to 1875! Fern Branch Falls is located at the end of Porters Creek Trail. It is most stunning after a heavy rain. The water drops from 60 feet against a large slab of rock.
4. Metcalf Bottoms Trail
Metcalf Bottoms is home to a popular picnic area and a 3.4-mile trail with two historical structures. One of them is the Little Greenbrier School. While schoolhouses were used to educate children in the Smoky Mountain community, they also served as social gathering places for the area as a whole. In fact, it acted as a site for the Primitive Baptist Church. The Little Greenbrier School is the only surviving schoolhouse in the park.
You will also find the Walker Sisters homestead on this trail. The Walker family consisted of 7 daughters who grew up in the Smokies settlement. Only one got married and moved away. The 6 sisters lived together in the cabin. When the area became a national park, the sisters received a lifetime lease.
More Smoky Mountain Hikes With Historical Structures
We’ve told you about some Smoky Mountain hikes with historical structures, but you’ll be happy to know there’s even more! Read up on Smokies trails with deep historical roots!
