5 Hidden Gems Near Our Smoky Mountain Campground You Need to See

5 Hidden Gems Near Our Smoky Mountain Campground You Need to See

September 01, 2021

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you want to enjoy being out in nature and experience the popular activities people love! While these activities are fun to do, you can also have fun finding some secret spots throughout the national park and Gatlinburg! Check out these 5 hidden gems near our Smoky Mountain campground you need to see:

1. Emert’s Cove Covered Bridge

A cool structure you’ll want to see the next time you camp with us is Emert’s Cove Covered Bridge. This bridge is named after the first man that settled in the area in 1790, Frederick Emert. The bridge has a log cabin appearance with cut-out windows so you can drive across and look out at the river. Many people visit the covered bridge to take photos of it or photos of themselves in front of the bridge. You’ll love finding this hidden gem!

2. Greenbrier Entrance to the National Park

Another secret spot you’ll want to find when you stay at our Smoky Mountain campground is the Greenbrier entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You’ll be so close to the entrance when you camp with us, you could walk into the park! In the spring, the Greenbrier area is teeming with delicate wildflowers. There are several places to go hiking in this section of the park, and you’ll also have plenty of spots where you can have a picnic with your family! You’ll love avoiding the majority of visitors by using the Greenbrier entrance!

3. Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community

Although you may have heard of the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, this area is still considered a hidden gem of the Smokies! The community is full of locals that bring their art, crafts, and skills to the public. You’ll find all kinds of lost arts, including quilting, pottery, wood carvings, and weaving. There are several little shops and restaurants along the 8-mile loop you will want to explore!

4. House of the Fairies

If your goal of staying at our Smoky Mountain campground is to get out and explore, then you should try to find one of the hidden gems in the national park! The House of the Fairies is a great secret spot because you have to veer off the main trail of Twin Creeks Trail to find it. Once you make your way along the footpath, you’ll spot the old spring house covered in moss and leaves, making it look like a home where fairies are going to come back any minute!

5. Old Steam Engine Wreck

Another hiking trail that will lead you to a hidden gem in the national park is Grapeyard Ridge Trail. This trail is considered moderate to difficult, but the surprise along the way is well worth it! You’ll hike up the mountain and across the same creek a few times. At almost 3 miles in, you will come across the old steam engine wreck many people hike this trail to see! The train ran off the rails of the track in the 1920s and landed in the creek bed, and no one has moved it since!

You’ll love trying to find all of these hidden gems the next time you’re in the Smoky Mountains! Are you ready to plan your trip and try to find these secret spots? Learn more about our Smoky Mountain campground, then reserve your spot today!