Tour some of Tennessee’s most famous ghost towns, including Elkmont, Sunshine, Newsom’s Landing, and Wheat. While they might not be as populous today, they still have plenty to offer, from important history lessons to unique experiences to incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Each

Tennessee

ghost town has its own story. Some were lumber towns or popular resorts, while others were farming communities. Certain towns emptied out far faster than others, but all of them have fascinating histories.

While it might go without saying, some of these ghost towns are easier to reach than others. The roads that lead there are bound to be in varying conditions. Before heading out on your next big adventure, make sure your car’s protected with the right insurance policy.

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Elkmont

Ferry boat moving down the river towards the viewer under a cloudy sky with woods on either bank.

What is the story of Elkmont?

Elkmont was established in the late 1800s as a logging town. Loggers would cut down trees from the woods and transport the lumber downstream by way of the Little River.

Later, the Little River Railroad company would take care of transporting that lumber before it started bringing tourists to the area. Soon, some wealthier folks began building summer getaway homes in the area.

After logging operations in Elkmont ended, however, the railroad was later removed, creating a problem of access for the town. A road was constructed, and Elkmont continued to operate as a getaway destination until the land was purchased in the 1930s and incorporated into Smoky Mountain National Park.

However, that purchase made things complicated for residents, visitors, and property owners alike. Those who did own property were ultimately given lifetime leases, all of which expired by the ‘90s.

Once the leases ended, many residents left the town, but the buildings remained because a number of homes were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “Elkmont Historic District.”

As such, demolition was out of the question, and many abandoned buildings remain standing. Unfortunately, after a fire, the famous Wonderland Hotel was lost (a brick chimney still stands)—but the ghost town is still home to many original structures.

What makes Elkmont special?

Today, Elkmont falls under Great Smoky Mountain National Park territory, a wildlife oasis that is home to the “most

biologically-diverse area

in the world’s temperate zone,” according to the National Park Service. While you’re there, here are some things you can see at Elkmont:

While some buildings, including the former Wonderland Hotel, have been demolished, Elkmont has a number of structures that have been designated as historical landmarks, including deserted homes and cabins. Many are in various states of disrepair, however, so if you decide to check them out, proceed with caution.

Elkmont Cemetery can be found not too far up the road from the remains of the original town.

An old bridge crossing the Little River remains but is no longer accessible to the public.

For a truly immersive experience, consider bringing a tent or RV to the nearby

Elkmont Campground

, which costs $25-27 per night.

How to Visit Elkmont

Elkmont is about an hour’s drive from Knoxville. From Knoxville, take US-441 about 20 miles, then turn right onto Whites School Road in Sevier County. After about half a mile, turn right onto Goose Gap Road, continue onto Old Valley Road, and continue following that until it takes a slight left and becomes Russie Gap Road.

Russie Gap Road will turn right and become US-321 S, and you’ll stay on for about 5.6 miles. till it becomes Old State Highway 73. Then turn left onto Line Springs Road and continue onto Wear Cove Gap Road. After a couple of miles, turn left onto Little Gorge Road. Turn right onto Elkmont Road at Laurel Branch, and in about a mile, you’ll have arrived at Elkmont.

There are plenty of gas stations, hotels, and restaurants along the way, so you don’t exactly have to worry about getting stranded on the way to Elkmont. However, there are no amenities once in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park grounds.

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Sunshine

View of an old cabin in lush green woods with a well on the right-hand side.

What is the story of Sunshine?

Sunshine, sometimes referred to as Kinsel Springs, was established in 1894 by a man named S.J. Kinsel. Kinsel first built a retreat home for his family and later expanded it into a resort area that consisted of a general store, a pavilion, some cabins, and a hotel.

Sunshine eventually became a Sunday getaway spot for folks in nearby Knoxville. Many visitors arrived via railroad, and ravelers could swim, horseback ride, play golf or tennis, and more.

At some point, Kinsel donated some of this land to the International Sunshine Society, a women’s organization. The town was incorporated in 1925 and had a post office.

Sunshine was relatively active, but a shift occurred when the hotel burned down in the 1950s. Then, access to the town was challenged when Little River Lumber Company was removed, even though the Walland Highway was later used to reach Sunshine.

Today, Sunshine is the oldest resort area that continues to operate in Tennessee.

What makes Sunshine special?

Sunshine is yet another ghost town that now falls within the Smoky Mountains National Park territory. Here are some special features about the area:

An original swinging bridge that has since been renovated crosses over the Little River and would have led to the former hotel

Little else remains at Sunshine, although there are still a few old cabins

For the outdoors enthusiasts, there are plenty of surrounding hiking trails

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How to visit Sunshine

From Knoxville, Sunshine is about a 40-minute drive southeast.

To get there, follow I-40 W for about half a mile, then take exit 386B for US-129 toward the Great Smoky Mountains. Continue on US-129 for about 12 miles, and stay left to continue on TN-35 N. Continue onto S Washington Street, then turn left onto US-321 N/E for about 14 miles.

The Sunshine area has experienced flooding and landslides, so it’s advisable to check road conditions before you head out, especially during rainy seasons.

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Newsom’s Landing (Newsom Station)

View of an old grist mill surrounded by woods.

What is the story of Newsom’s Landing?

Newsom Mill was established near this area in the late 1700s and operated until it was destroyed by a flood in 1808. Then, a new mill was built upstream,

Following the destruction of the original mill, Joseph Newsom built a gristmill in 1862 from limestone cut from nearby Newsom’s quarry (which still remains), and the town of Newsom’s Landing, also known as Newsom Station, was established shortly after.

The town itself was established on the Harpeth River, and the area was popular among families as a recreation spot that could be visited by train.

In 1905, a man named James Ezell purchased the Newsoms’ property, and quarrying and milling continued until 1928 when a fire destroyed much of the equipment. That period marked the beginning of the end for Newsom’s Landing. Ezell decided to retire rather than continue on, and his wife moved away after his death. The town was soon abandoned.

At its height, the town of Newsom’s Landing consisted of a train depot, a post office, and various stores. These days, though, all that remains in the ghost town are portions of the mill and dam.

Today, the area is part of Harpeth River State Park—Newsom’s Mill.

What makes Newsom’s Landing special?

Not much remains at Newsom’s Landing these days, but here’s what you could observe if you were to visit:

The former mill constructed by Newsom, as well as a dam, partially remain.

While little remains at the site, limestone from Newsom’s quarry has ended up in other significant places around Tennessee, including the State Capitol Building, the Customs House, Hume-Fogg High School, and even as filler underparts of I-40.

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How to visit Newsom’s Landing

Newsom’s Landing lies just outside Nashville, about a 20-minute drive southwest of the city.

Take I-40 W toward Memphis for 11.3 miles. Then take exit 196 toward Newsom Station. In 0.3 miles, merge onto US-70 S W. At Newsom Station Road, take a left, and you’ll arrive at Newstom’s Landing in a little over a mile.

Because of its proximity to Nashville, there are plenty of convenient stops along the way, making this one of Tennessee’s more conveniently accessible ghost towns.

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Wheat

View of sunrise over misty mountains in autumn.

What is the story of Wheat?

Originally established as Bald Hill in 1846, this ghost town was later renamed Wheat for its first postmaster, Frank Wheat.

At its height, Wheat, a farming community, boasted several churches and Roane College, a liberal arts school, which operated for 22 years before closing in 1908. Following its closure, the former college was used as Wheat High School, which then closed abruptly in 1941.

The 1940s would mark a major shift for Wheat. With the onset of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt wanted to follow Germany’s lead and develop a nuclear weapon

Roosevelt wanted an unassuming rural area to work on what would become known as the Manhattan Project. Wheat seemed to check all the boxes for in a worksite. So the school and churches closed, and community members were forced to quickly relocate to allow for the reestablishment of this new “Secret City” of Oak Ridge, as it’s currently referred to today.

The 2010 census recorded more than 29,000 Oak Ridge residents. Today, the original Wheat area is part of

Manhattan Project National Park

What makes Wheat special?

Here are a few things to know about Wheat:

George Jones Memorial Baptist Church and Cemetery still exist, and the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours

are offered to American Citizens from March through November. These are so popular that it’s not uncommon to end up on a waiting list when trying to reserve a spot.

John Henry and Elizabeth Inman Welcker were two early residents of the area and owned a riverside plantation from the early 1800s until around 1840. Their plantation was later purchased by a man named George Gallaher and is now called the Gallaher-Stone Plantation. On the property today, the Wheat Community African Burial Ground and Gallaher-Welcker Cemetery remain.

In 2000, the Wheat

African Burial Ground

was rediscovered by Will Minter. A monument has since been established at the cemetery to remember those who were enslaved.

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How to visit Wheat

Today, some parts of

Wheat

are more accessible than others, and the best starting place is the Manhattan Project Visitor Center.

From Knoxville, it takes about half an hour to get to Wheat. Take I-40 W for 11 miles and get off on exit 376. Merge onto TN-162 N toward Oak Ridge and stay on for 5 miles till TN-62 W. In about 6.7 miles, turn right onto Hillside Road. From there, take a left onto Highland Avenue, a left onto W Outer Drive, and after one last left, you’ll see the visitor center on the right.

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Why you need good car insurance

Ghost towns can be full of surprises – and for better or worse, the drive there can be, too.

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