This Two-Mile Hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park Leads to a Forgotten Artist’s Cabin

Tucked away in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio is a place most visitors never find. This rustic log cabin, hidden off a quiet trail near Elkmont, was once the summer studio of a celebrated Tennessee artist.

Today, it stands as a preserved piece of history, offering hikers a glimpse into both the creative spirit of Mayna Treanor Avent and the simple beauty of Appalachian craftsmanship.

If you love history, art, or the idea of wandering off the beaten path to discover something special, this is one hike worth making.

“The rustic cabin is off by itself in a dense section of the forests. It has a constant calming sound of the creek below that is relaxing and calms the nerves and mind. I can see how it was a wonderful place to live and paint. No matter where you look and walk around there is inspiration for art. I can easily see myself wanting to hide here for a long time just making photographs and sleeping to the sound of water flowing and wind rustling in the trees.” – Jason Henry

The trail to the cabin is short but rewarding, and along the way, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time. Even better, it’s located in an area rich with remnants of Elkmont’s past, making it easy to turn a visit into a full day of exploration.

The Story Behind the Studio

Mayna Treanor Avent was a well-known Tennessee artist who gained recognition for her landscapes and portraits in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She trained in Paris and later became part of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors.

In 1918, her family purchased an old log cabin in Elkmont, originally built in the 1840s by the Ownby family. It became her summer retreat, a quiet place where she could paint in solitude, drawing inspiration from the Smoky Mountains that surrounded her.

She continued using the cabin as a studio for more than two decades. After her time, the building remained, eventually becoming part of the national park.

“My grandmother used to tell me stories of this cabin. They were friends with the family and often summered here for a period of time… I would visit the cabin with my father as an adult. It must’ve been a peaceful place to spend the summer. It still has beautiful old bones.” – Captain Reno

In 1994, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation as a reminder of both Elkmont’s past and Avent’s artistic legacy.

Today, visitors can hike to the cabin and step inside, where the rustic wooden walls and simple design offer a glimpse into a time when this place was alive with creativity.

How to Get to the Avent Cabin

To reach the Avent Cabin, start by heading to Elkmont, a section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park just a short drive from Gatlinburg.

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center entrance, drive seven miles along Little River Road until you reach the turn for Elkmont. Follow the road for about a mile and a half until it splits, then stay left toward the Jakes Creek Trailhead parking lot.

From the parking area, follow Jakes Creek Trail uphill for about a third of a mile. Keep an eye out on your right for a small wooden sign labeled “Avent Cabin.”

It’s easy to miss, so pay attention.

Turn onto the unmarked side trail, then continue downhill for another half mile, crossing a small footbridge before reaching the cabin.

The full round-trip hike is just over a mile and a half, with a moderate level of difficulty due to the initial incline and the uneven terrain leading down to the studio.

Once you arrive, step inside and take it all in. The cabin is empty, but the craftsmanship of the logs, the simple fireplace, and the natural light streaming through the windows make it easy to imagine an artist at work.

If you visit in the fall, the vibrant foliage frames the weathered wood beautifully, while in winter, a dusting of snow gives it a quiet, almost magical feel.

“Starting at Elkmont, take Jakes Creek Trail to the Advent Studio. This hike was up hill a bit, however it was not hard. It seemed to be about one mile until we could see the cabin up on the mountain top on the other side. We found the trail that leads to the cabin, having to cross the stream and up the mountain to the cabin. The cabin is absolutely beautiful. It was in amazing shape and was so peaceful. The artwork was fantastic! We are definitely taking family back and would love to have stayed the night. Next time we’re going to take our guitar and sing on the front porch.” – Lorrie Davis McCullough

More to Explore in Elkmont

Elkmont is one of the most fascinating areas in the Smokies. This was once a booming logging community, then later transformed into a summer retreat for wealthy Knoxville families. The remnants of that past are still scattered throughout the area, making Elkmont a place where history and nature intertwine.

Elkmont Ghost Town

Just minutes from the Jakes Creek parking lot, you’ll find Elkmont’s “ghost town”, a collection of abandoned cabins that once belonged to vacationers in the early 20th century.

When the national park was established, the leases on these homes expired, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful collection of buildings.

A few cabins have been restored, including a row of homes in what was once known as Daisy Town, offering a glimpse of what this retreat community once looked like.

Hiking in Elkmont

If you’re up for more hiking, the Little River Trail is a scenic and relatively easy option. Following the river for nearly five miles, it passes the stone remains of old cottages and logging structures, offering peaceful views of the water along the way.

Another nearby trail, Jakes Creek Trail, leads past settler cemeteries and old homesteads, adding another layer of history to your visit.

Synchronous Fireflies

Elkmont is also home to one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the park – the synchronous fireflies. Every late May to early June, thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison, creating a light show that feels almost otherworldly.

The event is so popular that the park service holds a lottery for parking passes, so if you happen to be visiting in early summer, it’s worth checking in advance to see if you can secure a spot.

Troll Bridge

For a small but whimsical stop, don’t miss the Troll Bridge near Elkmont Campground. This little moss-covered stone bridge looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, making it a fun photo stop before heading home.

Planning Your Visit

The Mayna Treanor Avent Studio is one of those special places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret in the mountains. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Avent Cabin, offering cooler weather and stunning scenery.

Whether you visit for the history, the hike, or just the chance to stand where an artist once found her inspiration, it’s a trip worth making. And with so much more to see in Elkmont, it’s easy to turn this hidden retreat into a full day of adventure.

Two Quick Tips:

• Parking at Jakes Creek Trailhead can fill up quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early, especially if you plan to explore multiple areas in Elkmont.
• Bears are common in this part of the park, so be sure to follow bear safety guidelines and carry out everything you bring in.