Elkmont is an interesting place on the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll find many preserved historic buildings in the Elkmont Ghost Town, as well as abandoned buildings and cabins on lesser-known trails. You’ll definitely want to get out and see them during your next visit, especially the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio, so read on to learn more about this charming Avent Cabin in Elkmont Tennessee:
History of the Avent Cabin
The structure that would become the Avent Cabin was built in 1845 by Humphrey Ownby. It has a living area with a hayloft, kitchen, dining room, and porch. The cabin’s name comes from Frank Avent, who purchased it in 1918. His wife, Mayna, used the cabin as an art studio until 1940. Her work included watercolor and oil paintings as well as woodblock carvings. The Avent family received a lifetime lease when the national park was built and used the cabin until 1992.
How to Find the Avent Cabin
So, where can you find the Avent Cabin in Elkmont Tennessee today? You'll be happy to know that you don’t have to go far. The route is 2 miles round trip with only 505 feet of elevation gain–no steep climb! Hikers will start at the Jake’s Creek trailhead near the Elkmont Campground, then continue until the path forks left and go to the Cucumber Gap Trail junction. You will then take a short walk to the Meigs Creek trailhead, and the path to the cabin is about a quarter-mile from the trailhead. Use the footlog to cross Jake’s Creek; use caution and don’t attempt to cross after a heavy rain if the water is overflowing. Wear sturdy shoes to maintain your balance. After you cross the creek, there will be a set of wooden steps to the Avent Cabin.
Other Things to Do in Elkmont Tennessee
If you love the Avent Cabin, there are other buildings to explore in the Elkmont area. Check out the Elkmont Ghost Town! The spot was the site of the Little River Lumber Company in 1910. It then transformed into a wealthy resort community after the lumber company used the railroad to give tours of the area. It flourished as people built their vacation homes. There was even a clubhouse! When the Smoky Mountains National Park was established, the residents quickly left their homes behind, which is why the popular resort community is deemed a “ghost town.” You’ll love exploring the area and imagining what life must have been like.
After you’re done exploring the Avent Cabin and the Elkmont Ghost Town and hiking the trails, you can spend the night at the Elkmont Campground. This Smoky Mountain campground is open seasonally and provides access to picnic areas and restrooms with cold running water. Camping at Elkmont is a great way to spend a little extra time in the beauty of the Smokies!
Now you know all about the Avent Cabin in Elkmont Tennessee. Want to know even more about this area of the national park? Explore some interesting things to know about the history of the Elkmont Wonderland Hotel!
