If you're a frequent visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ve probably seen all the popular things. This includes Kuwohi, black bears, and stunning spring wildflowers. You’ll be happy to know that there is much more ground to cover on future trips! Use this interactive Smoky Mountain scavenger hunt as a guide. See if you can find everything on this list of unique and rare things in the park:
1. Elkmont Ghost Town
The Elkmont Ghost Town is a hidden gem in a popular area of the Tennessee Smokies. The land was initially the site of the Little River Lumber Company in the 1800s. It then transformed into a thriving resort community. Some cottages that are still standing today are thanks to the hard work of the National Park Service. The area is deemed a “ghost town” because its residents had to quickly abandon their homes when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established.
Where is the Elkmont Ghost Town? You’ll take US-411 from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Drive towards Cades Cove until you see a sign for the Elkmont Campground. From there, continue on to the parking lot for the Elkmont Nature Trail. Just take a short walk from the lot to reach the Ghost Town.
2. The House of the Faires
The House of the Fairies is located on the Twin Creeks Trail. No mythical creatures lived here. Rather, the structure is actually a springhouse on the Voorheis estate and was used to preserve perishable items, such as meat and cheese. The name is still fitting because the arched stone with moss makes the ordinary springhouse look very whimsical.
To find the House of Faires, you have to take a short side trail. The Twin Creeks Trail as a whole is a great beginner route, as it is only 4.5 miles round trip. Other historical structures to look out for on this trail include the Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin.
3. River Otters
River otters are one of the rare animals in the Smoky Mountains. They were eliminated from the area due to overhunting and then reintroduced in 1986. Some of their unique characteristics include a third eyelid. Its purpose is to protect their eyeballs while swimming underwater. A place in the Smokies where river otters roam is Abrams Falls in Cades Cove. If you happen to spot one swimming in the water while you’re there, the first thing you’ll see is two ears sitting high on top of its head. As for sounds, river otters communicate by making high-pitched squeaks.
You get to Abrams Falls by taking a trail that is 5 miles roundtrip. To reach the namesake, you will veer off on a short side trail that is about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. Abrams Falls is 20 feet high with a deep pool at the bottom. In addition to river otters, it is home to many species of fish and salamanders!
We hope you try to find these rare things in the Smoky Mountains! Want to find out about even more stuff to look for? Explore these hidden gems in Cades Cove!
