Ghost Towns in Tennessee
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Tennessee.
All Ghost Towns
Bon Aqua
Bon Aqua was a 19th century mineral spa resort. Johnny Cash bought Storytellers Hideaway, a 107-acre farm here, where he spent his final years. The sp...
Cades Cove
Cades Cove was a farming community isolated by mountains. The NPS acquired the land in the 1920s and 30s, allowing some residents to stay for life. To...
Cades Cove
Cades Cove was home to 700 Appalachian settlers before the national park forced them out. John Oliver settled here in 1818—before any treaty with the ...
Elkmont
Elkmont was a logging town that became an elite resort community. The National Park Service took over, and residents moved out by 1992. Now famous for...
Fort Loudoun
Fort Loudoun was the first British fort west of the Appalachians. Cherokee warriors besieged it in 1760; the garrison surrendered and was massacred. T...
Hensley Settlement
Hensley Settlement was an isolated community on Brush Mountain in Cumberland Gap. The Hensley and Gibbons families lived here from 1903 to 1951, farmi...
Old Stone Fort
In the 1850s, entrepreneurs built a paper mill inside the walls of a 2,000-year-old Native American ceremonial site. The mill village grew, then faded...
Olympus
Olympus was a small community in the Upper Cumberland. It is most famous as the birthplace of Cordell Hull, FDR's Secretary of State and Nobel Peace P...
Proctor
Proctor was headquarters for the Little River Lumber Company's Hazel Creek operation. For decades, loggers harvested the virgin Smoky Mountain forests...
Rugby
Rugby was founded in 1880 by Thomas Hughes (author of Tom Brown's Schooldays) as a utopian community for younger sons of English gentry. The colony fa...
Wheat
Wheat was a thriving farming community known for its peaches. In 1942, the US government evicted everyone to create the Oak Ridge reservation for the ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Tennessee?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in Tennessee. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Tennessee safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Tennessee?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.