Hidden Gems Smoky Mountains Road Trip: 8 Secret Spots Most Visitors Never See
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The Hidden Gems Smoky Mountains Road Trip is the ultimate adventure for those who love uncovering secrets hidden within Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
This route takes you beyond the usual tourist spots and deep into the forgotten corners of the Smokies — where abandoned tunnels, historic ruins, and even a long-lost steam engine wreck tell fascinating stories of the past.
From fairy-tale bridges to ghost towns frozen in time, here are 8 hidden spots you’ll discover on this unforgettable road trip…
House of the Fairies
Twin Creeks Trail, near Gatlinburg, TN
Tucked away in the forest near Gatlinburg, this moss-covered stone springhouse feels straight out of a storybook. Once part of a 1920s estate, it’s a magical place that’s well worth the short hike.
It was actually a springhouse, part of an estate built by Louis E. Voorheis in the early 1900s. The estate was an early conservation project, and while most of the buildings are gone, this enchanting stone house remains.
TIP: The House of the Fairies is not on a marked trail — you’ll need to follow Twin Creeks Trail near the Twin Creeks Science Center and look for a small unmarked path leading into the woods.
Elkmont Troll Bridge
Elkmont Historic District, Gatlinburg, TN
This mossy stone bridge is part of the remains of Elkmont, once a lively logging town that later became a summer resort for wealthy Knoxville families. The town was eventually abandoned, leaving behind ghostly cabins and remnants like this fairytale-style bridge.
Hike the Little River Trail in Elkmont, and you’ll find this bridge near the old vacation cabins.
Steam Engine Wreck
Near Tremont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
In the 1920s, a logging train lost control and derailed, sending one of its steam engines tumbling down the mountainside. Instead of recovering it, loggers left it where it fell.
Today, this rusting locomotive remains at the bottom of the mountain, covered in moss and nature’s reclaim. It’s off the beaten path, requiring a hike along the TRAIL. Those willing to search can still find it among the trees.
RELATED: Learn all about the Smoky Mountain Ghost Train
Thomas Divide Tunnel
Beneath Kuwohi, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
This eerie, overgrown tunnel is one of the Smokies’ best-kept secrets. Hidden beneath Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome), the Thomas Divide Tunnel is a remnant of an unfinished road project. Unlike other tunnels in the park, this one is largely forgotten and surrounded by overgrown forest, making it a cool find for those who enjoy a bit of exploring.
This one’s a real hidden spot — it’s not marked on official maps but can be accessed via an old roadbed near Kuwohi Road. It’s a fascinating piece of history that most visitors never see.
RELATED: Discover Kuwohi: A Window to the Wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains
Road to Nowhere Tunnel
Lakeview Drive, Bryson City, NC
Originally built to replace roads that were flooded by Fontana Lake, this tunnel was supposed to lead to new highways for displaced communities. However, the project was abandoned, leaving a tunnel that literally leads to nowhere.
Covered in graffiti and with an eerie atmosphere, it’s now a favorite spot for explorers.
TIP: You can walk through the tunnel, but be sure to bring a flashlight!
Ogle Tub Mill
Historic Ogle Farm, Gatlinburg, TN
A relic of the Smokies’ pioneer past, this small but fascinating historic mill near Gatlinburg gives a glimpse into life in the mountains over a century ago.
Tub mills were small water-powered mills used by settlers to grind corn into meal. The Ogle family built this one in the 1800s, and it’s one of the few that remain standing.
It’s an easy stop near the Ogle Cabin in Gatlinburg, part of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Proctor Ghost Town
Once a thriving logging town, Proctor was abandoned when the government flooded parts of the region to create Fontana Lake in the 1940s. Today, the remains of homes, a school, and a church are still standing — slowly being overtaken by nature.
Deep in the backcountry, Proctor can only be accessed by hiking or boating across Fontana Lake. A boat trip to Proctor is one of the best ways to explore this lost town.
RELATED: 13 Haunting Ghost Towns in Tennessee & North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains
Elkmont Ghost Town
Elkmont Historic District, Gatlinburg, TN
Perhaps the most famous ghost town in the Smokies, Elkmont was once a bustling resort town. Elkmont became a ghost town when the National Park Service took over the land.
While many of the cabins have been removed, several eerie structures still stand, including the old Wonderland Hotel ruins and cabins with doors left wide open.
The best way to explore is by walking the trails through Elkmont Historic District, where you’ll find abandoned structures and historic remnants.
Which Smoky Mountains Hidden Gems Will You Discover?
Whether you’re a history buff, an off-the-beaten-path explorer, or someone looking to experience the Smokies in a whole new way, this road trip is packed with adventure and hidden wonders waiting to be discovered!
