The Apple Barn

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

The Apple Barn is a barn, it was built back in 1910 and was part of the farm that the Hicks and Kilpatrick families bought in 1972. They planted their first trees in 1976 and the Apple Barn continues to plant more every year. The orchard now has more than 4,000 trees. The old cattle barn was renovated in 1980, left mostly as is with some updates and refinishing a new era for The Apple Barn began in 1981. A cider room was added to view apple pressing in the fall and being made into cider. The Apple Barn also started to carry a variety of sweet apple treats such as pie, doughnuts, dumplings, & candy. Over the past 20 years, they have continued to add applewood bacon and hams and present their mountain recipe apple butter. They have also added in addition The Creamery ice cream parlor which features all their apple specialties.

Further expansion included the renowned original Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, and in 1995 Applewood Farmhouse Grill opened along with the Apple Barn Winery, specializing in delightful apple and fruit wines.

So if cider and pies make a huge part of a fall tradition for you be sure and check out everything that The Apple Barn has to offer!