5 Iconic Landmarks Loved By Locals

Explore beyond your comfort zone with these 5 iconic landmarks loved by locals. Book a Smoky Mountain stay at a Gatlinburg cabin only at Heartland Rentals.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast and colorful place- Not just by nature, but by history and the people who’ve made it. We, locals, have a tendency to be partial to a few areas within the walls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and we want to share these places with you! Here are 5 iconic landmarks loved by locals:

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1. Clingmans Dome

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome rests high and mighty as the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The “Dome” surprisingly refers to the mountaintop, not the observation deck. 

2. Elkmont

Elkmont was once a Civilian Conservation Corps location during the logging days- Once the Park was dedicated by FDR in 1934, Elkmont soon transformed into a world-class resort community for the elite. Fast Forward a few years and Elkmont later turned into a renowned ghost town in the Smokies.

3. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is the crowned jewel of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Europeans settled in the Cove between 1818 and 1821 leaving numerous historically registered sites throughout the Valley. 4,000 generous acres make up a brilliantly verdant valley filled with wildlife, history, a working mill, and an 11-mile paved loop for auto-touring.

4. Metcalf Bottoms

Metcalf Bottoms is located beside the forever-flowing Little River. There is a campground and several picnic areas- most of which are riverside. It is nearby to Walker Sisters Place and Trillium Gap Trail and Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

5. Grandmother’s Kitchen

Grandmother’s Kitchen is an authentic Southern kitchen in Wears Valley. This local hole in the wall is a mom n’ pop family-owned joint offering folksy, old-fashioned grub. They’re constantly serving REAL cathead biscuits, fixins & other Southern staples for breakfast & lunch. 
Hey, wait a second before you go! Be sure to check our Current Cabin Specials, Deals, and Discounts to see if your stay qualifies for a special discount! Book your cabin in Gatlinburg with Heartland Rentals for a memorable moment in the mountains.