Few People Know There’s A Mystical Basin Hidden Amid The Mountains In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published June 22, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
With the influx of grand cities and cement-centered architecture, it may seem like magical, mystical places are few and far between. It’s difficult to find magic in a concrete jungle, and even here in Tennessee it can be hard to find a mystical moment when hiking trails are swollen with visitors. Whiteoak Sinks is a lush and beautiful basin tucked away in East Tennessee, and during the springtime, it explodes with hidden wildflowers. If you’re looking for something of a religious experience in the backwoods of the Volunteer State, this stunning spot may be it.
Whiteoak Sinks is arguably one of the most beautiful natural enclaves in the Great Smoky Mountains, but it’s hard to find someone who knows about it. Tucked away in the moody, misty mountains and studded with caves and sinkholes, this natural gem isn’t found on any of the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park trail maps, and you will most likely have the space to yourself.
The Sink is a basin that is surrounded by steep hills in all directions. There are quite a few sinkholes in the area, as well as a handful of caves. The area was once inhabited by local Native Americans and European settlers, and you may even come across the remains of former structures on your hike.
The hike to Whiteoak Sink is an out-and-back trail near Townsend that comes in at 4.6 miles in total. The trail is considered easy to complete, but unfortunately, dogs are not permitted. They are a little too destructive for the delicate ecosystem.
If you’re a fan of wildflowers, then you will want to put Whiteoak Sink on your official springtime bucket list. If you plan your trip out to coincide with the wildflower bloom, then you will see thick clusters of yellow trillium and phlox on your way.
Just take a look at those delicate blooms! In order to preserve the hushed beauty of the space, visitors are asked to stay on the hiking trail. Please do not wander into the wilderness to admire the flowers, no matter how pretty they may be.
There is a waterfall in the basin, and where there is water there is wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for snakes and small critters as you traverse the trail. Safety is key!
Whiteoak Sinks is a magical little basin that's flush with flora and fauna. It almost feels like a movie set because of how well-preserved and stunning it is. Would you hike to this mystical place in Tennessee?
What a beautiful place to visit! If you go, remember to be respectful of this special spot. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.
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