When you visit the Smoky Mountains, there are so many incredible things to do that you can enjoy right here in the area! From wandering the Gatlinburg strip, to spending an afternoon at Dollywood, and more, the Smokies are home to plenty of iconic attractions and activities. However, if you are looking for something a bit more unique to do while you are visiting the area, then you may be interested in checking out some of the hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains that we are sharing with you today! Simply read on to find out more:
1. Old Steam Engine
First on our list of hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss is the Old Steam Engine! Originally used to power a lumber saw in the early 1900s, an accident resulted in this steam engine rolling down the hill and into the creek, where it sits to this day. If you want to discover the Old Steam Engine for yourself, hike along the Grapeyard Ridge Trail for about 2.9 miles and you will find the steam engine at the bottom of the hill.
2. Salt and Pepper Museum
Next up on our list of hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains is the only museum in the United States that specializes entirely in salt and pepper shakers! That’s right, the appropriately named Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg has a collection of over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from different times and places, telling a unique story of various cultures and traditions. Although you may not have noticed this attraction before, it is actually located right near Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin at the start of the Gatlinburg strip.
3. Elkmont Ghost Town
Another of the hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss out on is the Elkmont Ghost Town, which was once a logging camp and resort town. Nobody has lived in this town in many decades, though the National Park Service has renovated some of the cabins and buildings to make them safe for the public to visit and explore. You can also check out the Elkmont Troll Bridge, which is another popular spot for visitors looking for hidden things to do.
4. The Walker Sisters Place
The Walker Sisters Place is a great spot to visit if you are interested in history, and it is among the lesser-known spots in the Smoky Mountains. The Walker Sisters lived within the area that became Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and chose to remain living there for several decades despite the creation of the park. The last of the sisters passed away in the 1960s, but their home has been preserved for visitors to explore.
Now that you know a bit more about some of the hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains that you can check out when you come to visit, you may be feeling especially excited about planning your next getaway to the area. If that is the case, no worries — we’ve got you covered! Here at Amazing Views Cabin Rentals, we have some of the best options for rental cabins in the Smokies, allowing you to come and make the most of your next stay in the area with their convenient locations, excellent amenities, and more. Go ahead and check out our full selection of cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains today and get ready for an awesome adventure! We can’t wait to welcome you.
