Elkmont, South Holston Lake, and the Rhododendron Festival
Plus, Cliff Island and Tennessee Trail Mix
This week, travel with us along Tennessee’s trails and roads. It’s the perfect time to revisit our three-part Appalachian Trail thru-hiking feature. Below, find the link to Part 1, which is completely unpaywalled. Check it out if you haven’t already.
Free subscribers can preview Parts Two and Three. Upgrade your subscription for full access.
The Elkmont Troll Bridge
Elkmont, Tennessee
Coordinates: 35.660144, -83.582882
Tucked away in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just 100 feet into the Little River Trail, a small side trail leads to the fairy tale-like, moss-covered stone Elkmont Troll Bridge. The main trail continues past streams and small waterfalls on this moderate roundtrip hike that covers about 5 miles. The coordinates for the bridge are 35.660144, -83.582882.
Old Town of Elkmont
Homesteaders, hunters, and loggers first settled the community of Elkmont in the mid-1800s. By the early 1900s, it had grown into the county’s second-largest town, complete with a post office, school, hotel, store, church, and homes. When Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created, cottage owners received lifetime leases—later changed to 20-year terms in 1952 and renewed in 1972. Their leases ended in 1992, and most structures were slated for demolition. The Elkmont Troll Bridge survived and was restored by park officials.
South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake, Tennessee
918 Holston Dam Road
South Holston Lake in eastern Tennessee stretches through the Appalachian highlands. Formed by the South Holston Dam on the South Fork Holston River, the lake is known for its calm, glassy surface and peaceful forested shoreline within the Cherokee National Forest. From secluded fishing spots to sweeping views along the Tennessee–Virginia border, its tranquil waters and surrounding mountains create a timeless retreat in one of the most scenic corners of the southern Appalachians.
Hidden Gem: Cliff Island is a popular cliff-jumping spot located off Point 2. Pull your boat near the small island, swim to its low side, and in about 50 steps, you’ll be ready for an exhilarating 10-20 foot drop. Check out a video of the jump below.
