Elkmont Is A Fascinating Abandoned Place In Tennessee

There are several world-renowned resorts in Tennessee, and it’s no mystery why. The beautiful landscape of the Volunteer State lends itself beautifully to relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation. That’s what makes the story of Elkmont so fascinating. What used to be a collection of humble yet charming resort cabins has now been left completely abandoned within the Great Smoky Mountains. Today, these 19 buildings are part of the Elkmont Historic District, a real-life ghost town in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. See if you agree that it’s an eerie, abandoned place in Tennessee.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

The story of Elkmont began as early as the 1840s when the area was first settled. At this time, the community was known as "Little River," due to its location in the upper Little River Valley.

Eventually, the Little River Lumber Company was formed in 1901 when a man by the name of Colonel Wilson B. Townsend bought 86,000 acres of the land along the river.

Wealthy families from Knoxville and the surrounding areas would board the train and head to the Smokies for a weekend of fresh air and adventures.

It didn't take long before the concept of a resort community was established. Individual cabins were built, and the town became known as Elkmont.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park was established in 1934, and the residents of Elkmont had to make a choice: sell their homes for full value and relocate or sell their properties to the NPS at a discounted price and get to live in them.

Most leases on the properties expired in 1992, and as a result, the park was left with 70 historic cabins and sites with no one to take care of them. As a result, deterioration began.

Fortunately, the NPS decided to preserve 19 of the remaining Elkmont buildings. The rest were torn down.

Today, visitors can tour the abandoned and partially restored cabins to take a glimpse into what once was.

While its history may not be as tragic as some other abandoned communities within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there's no denying that its presence is haunting.

What are your thoughts on Elkmont? Did you know about this eerie and abandoned place in Tennessee? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America.

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