The trail is easy to find and starts right at the park's Visitor Center.

You'll take off past the Visitor Center and turn left into the woods.

We didn’t mind going the extra mile because this forest is so peaceful. We hiked almost the whole trail without seeing a single person, and it was lovely to just take a stroll through the woods with my family.

Soon enough, we arrived at the mine and there was a set of wooden stairs and a bridge to cross, making for a fun labyrinth of green to traverse down to the gaping hole in the ground.

The rocky maw of the earth opens up and leads down to a dark hole.

The journey isn’t quite over if you would like to go further.

The story of Elkmont began as early as the 1840s when the area was first settled. At this time, the community was known as "Little River," due to its location in the upper Little River Valley.

Eventually, the Little River Lumber Company was formed in 1901 when a man by the name of Colonel Wilson B. Townsend bought 86,000 acres of the land along the river.

Wealthy families from Knoxville and the surrounding areas would board the train and head to the Smokies for a weekend of fresh air and adventures.

It didn't take long before the concept of a resort community was established. Individual cabins were built, and the town became known as Elkmont.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park was established in 1934, and the residents of Elkmont had to make a choice: sell their homes for full value and relocate or sell their properties to the NPS at a discounted price and get to live in them.

Most leases on the properties expired in 1992, and as a result, the park was left with 70 historic cabins and sites with no one to take care of them. As a result, deterioration began.

Fortunately, the NPS decided to preserve 19 of the remaining Elkmont buildings. The rest were torn down.

Today, visitors can tour the abandoned and partially restored cabins to take a glimpse into what once was.

While its history may not be as tragic as some other abandoned communities within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there's no denying that its presence is haunting.

The first thing you will want to do is get to Rock Island State Park early.

A day of outdoor adventuring can work up your appetite and for that, the Foglight Foodhouse in Walling, TN, is just down the road.

The building may be new, but the owners worked hard to make it look just like an improved version of the original.

A lovely outdoor sitting area is available as well. Sit under the glowing lights and look out over the Caney Fork River. The owner desires your stay at the restaurant to feel like you have been invited over to his house and wants people to feel relaxed and not in a rush -- it's the true Tennessee way, after all!

As far as the menu is concerned, you will have a wide selection to choose from.

Another interesting special is the Cajun Pizza.

1. You call ‘em violins but we call ''em’ fiddles.

2. Dolly Parton is the Queen of Tennessee.

3. Nashville gets all the attention when it comes to music, but Memphis has played an equally as important role in the music industry.

4. Memphis is also home to another king, Elvis!

5. Moonshining in the mountains of East Tennessee was a big deal during the prohibition era.

6. The sacred tradition of the glorious "meat and three."

7. Our chicken is hot, like *really* hot!

8. Everyone knows that BBQ from Tennessee is better.

9. The Smoky Mountains, AKA our country's most popular national park.

10. Our country has some fantastic places for a tropical vacation, but as we say in Tennessee, “You can keep 'em."

11. Nope, this isn't Greece... this is Nashville, baby!

12. We bleed orange in Tennessee.

13. Moon Pies and RC Cola are Tennessee originals and we are proud of it.

14. Look at this lovable little cub!

For Allan Brown, the excitement of dinosaurs and this time in history never never left him.

Earth Experience is available for anyone interested in the fine science behind the mysterious world of old.

Many of the displays are casts made from the originals, but there are also plenty of real specimens inside too.

Guests will be thrilled to know that this museum also features everyone's favorite dinosaur...

Not many ancient creatures have been found in the soil of middle Tennessee, but one prized fossil has quite a story behind it.

The museum is also an active workspace for scientists and paleontologists.

It all started with one man's love for the sport of... axe throwing.

The Gatlinburg Axe House is designed to be a family-friendly environment where people from all walks of life can come together to yeet some hatchets.

There are several ways to enjoy this activity, ranging from simply attempting to hit a bullseye to a more strategic game involving various targets and numbers on the board (think darts, but with axes).

Make sure you go when they pull out the black lights... what a unique experience!

The first time I went axe throwing I was instantly hooked and I can almost guarantee you will too.

Gatlinburg Axe House is designed to be a family-friendly and safe way to enjoy the sport and, as such, they do not allow alcohol on the property; however, kids are encouraged to get in on the axe-throwing fun. So if you are looking for a barbaric and wholly unique activity for the fam, look no further than Gatlinburg Axe House!

If you want to participate in this tour-de-meat, all you need to do is plan out your trip to each of the four participating restaurants.

1. Smokin’ F - Philadelphia

2. Taste-o-Texas - Loudon

3. Sons of Smoke - Loudon

4. Calhoun’s - Lenoir City

If you intend to travel from afar or simply need to stay somewhere nice to rest after all that meat consumption, a stay at this cottage will be perfect for you.

While walking the pleasant streets of Jonesborough, Tennessee, you will come across an old cabin in the middle of town.

Like many homes in this area, this dwelling harkens back to a simpler time when a family would provide just about everything they needed with their own two hands. This was not the original site of the home, though -- it was moved from about two miles away so it could be protected from demolition; today, it's a commanding relic in a town rich in history.

The Taylor family lived in this home, but for a short time, they had a reputable guest join them as he trained to be a lawyer. Andrew Jackson was the man and before he became president he studied by candlelight in this very dwelling.

Most older places have a few stories attached to them and the Christopher Taylor House is no different.

Still others have said to have seen the Taylor family still wandering around the house going about life as if time had never passed.

For one special occasion, they opened up the home and I had the lucky privilege to walk inside.

Falcon Ridge Farm is located in Toone which is a tiny little rural town just 30 minutes south of Jackson and roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Memphis. This is a great place to get away from the city and enjoy the rural side of Tennessee.

Falcon Ridge is open all throughout the year and has diversified their goods to make great use of every season. They offer a large variety of beautiful flowers to add a splash of color to your house or perfect for your next big event.

They also pride themselves on their freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and so much more can be purchased or you can join their farm-share program.

During the fall they open up the farm for visitors to enjoy the Fall Festival. They will have fun and games for all ages planned for the whole family to join in on the celebration.

Falcon Ridge is a 240-acre farm making it a massive agricultural space to grow lots of fresh produce. That will include a large pumpkin patch during the fall.

Get up close and personal with the many farm animals that call the place home. Watch the excitable pigs, the climbing goats, and much more.

There will be food, photo opportunities, and of course the classic corn maze. Get lost in this behemoth of a maze that takes on a different theme and shape every year.

Train enthusiasts of all ages will soon be able to spend the night in a renovated train car here at The Hotel Chalet.

The historic site was once a train station, and the new owners have made sure to maintain the history of the place while blending in modern amenities for a luxurious stay.

The hotel will have 25 rooms in restored Victorian train carriages.

How often do you get the chance to sleep in a converted passenger train? This is certainly one of the most unique places to stay in Tennessee.

Each room can comfortably sleep two to four people and has ample space to work, play, or just relax after a long day of sightseeing in Chattanooga.

Private bathrooms, in-room Bluetooth speakers, and Italian linens are just a few of the amenities here.

Outside of your room, guests at The Hotel Chalet can enjoy an afternoon by the pool or the lush courtyard.

The Hotel Chalet is open for booking and is accepting reservations beginning October 31st.