ELKMONT

The Smokies are a fascinating ecological study, not only for their diversity of life, but for the fact that much of these mountains were once stripped bare of trees in the early 1900s. Of the Park's lands, only about 20% hold virgin forest. Elkmont was originally built as a logging village and now serves as a Park campground.

The Wonderland Hotel

November 15, 1992 was the Wonderland Hotel's last day of operation. After 80 years of hosting guests from loggers to literati, the Smoky Mountain institution's lease on Park-held lands ended. By 1925, most of the useful timber had been cut from the entire East Prong watershed surrounding Elkmont. Instead of logs, the trains were then used to deliver vacationing passengers and day-trippers to Elkmont. As logging continued to wane, Elkmont became a popular weekend and summer resort community dominated by members of the Appalachian Club, a philanthropic group. They visited the Hotel and surrounding cottages along the river. Although closed now, the Wonderland Hotel served as a beginning to Sevier County's tourism industry.

Nature Trail

In the parking area opposite Elkmont's campground lies a self-guiding nature trail. This short excursion, less than one mile, shows land that still bears the traces of the railroad years beneath new growth forest. An informational leaflet available at the trailhead will provide information about the forest and its features.

FOOTHILLS PARKWAY WEST

Following the crest of Chilhowee Mountain, Foothills Parkway West begins at U.S. 321, 9 miles from the Park entrance at Townsend, and travels to the Chilhowee Reservoir.

Chilhowee Mountain

Chilhowee Mountain traces the line of the Great Smokies Fault, the tectonic plate that created these mountains in volcanic upheavals eons ago. Fossils are missing from most of the area rocks because these mountains were already formed before hard-bodied plants and animals developed.

Look Rock

Look Rock is an off-the-beaten path destination just off the Parkway. The observation ledge looks out across the valley to Gregory Bald on the right and Thunderhead on the left. The 1.2 mile trail leads to an even more commanding view from a lookout tower atop the mountain.

Chilhowee Lake

Part of the ALCOA system of lakes, Chilhowee Lake lies at the end of the Foothills Parkway in the western corner of the Park. Ideal for fishing, this mountain lake contains trout, bass, crappie and bluegill. Canoeing is also a popular activity.

Abrams Creek

Located at the end of Happy Valley Road, off the Parkway, the mouth of Abrams Creek is the lowest point in the National Park at 840 feet. The creek is named after Cherokee Chief Abram who lived along its banks. A campground and ranger station are located beside the creek and Abrams Falls lies only 2.5 miles upstream.