Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains

Elkmont is located in the Great Smoky Mountains, in Tennessee. A logging town and resort community in the past, the grounds are now property of the Smokies, with a campground now on the former location of the town of Elkmont. 

The Little River Lumber Company established the town in 1908, and the Wonderland Park Annex, pictured below, was constructed in 1912. The annex is scheduled for demolition, but 18 cottages and outbuildings will be restored.

All images below were taken in 2014. I did not enter any structures, but I did include several photos  taken through open doors or windows. All buildings are closed to the public.

This is a nice place for a writer or artist of any medium to draw inspiration from. You'll fill in all the blanks with your own creative ideas, reliving what happened back nearly a hundred years ago when this area was enjoying its heyday. My mind starts daydreaming when I see an old forlorn place like this. The stories are surely more rich that anything we can imagine.

You'll find some nice hiking trails in the area, including the Little River Trail, which isn't too tough by Smokies standards. The elevation stays flat. I will save that for another blog entry.

 

Steps going up to the Wonderland complex

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Troll Bridge

Steps going up to the former site of the Wonderland Hotel, which collapsed in 2005

The Wonderland Annex

The door has shifted to a rather odd angle

I love the rock steps. Hopefully they will survive the demo of cottages

Overgrown cottage is barely visible on the left as you walk back toward the entrance of the annex

Looking at the Wonderland Annex, from the site of the main hotel, which collapsed in 2005. A pile of bricks from the hotel is seen on the far left

Inside the Wonderland Annex, taken through a window. Looks like someone outside the window at the far wall, in long pajamas and house shoes,hanging. This place would make a nice setting for a haunted house

Pathway from the Wonderland Annex to the remaining steps of the main hotel

Sign installed by the park at the Wonderland entrance. Note the old photo showing the steps and hotel

This cemetery is accessible from a gravel road, or by walking the old road/path from the Wonderland Hotel

Looks like a cool playhouse

Restored Appalachian Clubhouse

Old power pole

Walking down the street that ends at the Appalachian Club

Beautiful cascades as you approach a second cemetery

Hoh Rain Forest

Just off the Pacific, inside Olympic National Park, lies a jewel that needs to be on your to do list when you visit Washington State. Greenery everywhere, and a freshness in the air that is invigorating. And the huge trees...

My day was shrouded in clouds for hours, and ironically as I entered the rain forest blue skies and sunshine peeked through. The nice weather lasted until I was driving along the coast, five minutes out from pulling in to see the sunset, and rain began to pelt my windshield.

Two short trails are easy for most visitors, one that hugs the Hoh River and another that takes you into more of a "dark forest." A third trail goes on for over 15 miles. I recommend walking at least a portion of this one to enjoy the peace and tranquility of getting away from virtually everyone.

I saw (and photographed from a distance) a herd of elk crossing the river as I was on my way out of the park.

Strolling through such a place, and exploring imagery so full and encompassing fulfills me like nothing else.  A sweetness fills the air from flora so alive it almost speaks to you. Gentle spirits of nature's beauty are overwhelming.

A few images-

Massive trees

Dead tree completely engulfed with life

Watch yur step; looking down at the shore of the Hoh River

Everything brings forth life and shelter; even death

My time in the spotlight

Hoh River meanders along, fed by glacier melting

Everything is not only alive, but thriving

Two of the elk that wandered across the river. Never took their eyes off of me