Elkmont Houses

Whenever we camp at Elkmont in the Smokies, there is always a hike or two to "the houses," summer homes built long ago, then acquired by the parks services with lifetime leases, the last of which ran out ten years ago.

Most have been sadly falling down and becoming more sad looking each year - until last year when renovations began on three, including this newly painted pink one with the chimney restored and the stone patio expanded over the Little River.

And one that housed the Appalachian Club, which started as a men's hunting club and where neighbors later came on Saturday nights. It has a gorgeous porch once again, with rocking chairs overlooking the woods.

If you want to know more, wikipedia has a nice history - google "Elkmont houses" to help find it.