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Step Back in Time

In a field behind the Oconaluftee Visitors Center and along the Oconaluftee River, the Park Service has recreated a late 19th century mountain farm with authentic log structures moved from their original locations throughout the National Park. One of the buildings, the John E. Davis farmhouse (shown), originally stood in the Indian Creek/Thomas Divide area north of Bryson City.

Other buildings include a barn, apple house, springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop. To get a sense of how families may have lived 100 years ago, the farm also demonstrates historic gardening and agricultural practices, including livestock. The Park has a 30-minute self-guided walking tour audio guide for rental that covers keeping bees, vegetable gardening, and aspects of social life in the mountains.

You might spot some elk in the fields at the visitor center. Mid-late afternoons are the best times.

The easy, 1.5 mile (one-way) Oconaluftee River Trail begins at the mountain farm. It is stroller-accessible, bike and pet-friendly and follows the river to Cherokee, N.C.

More information

Watch this 9-minute video from the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Nearby Attractions

Two other popular Park attractions are nearby —

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Mingus Mill

Elk Viewing

Elk can be seen almost any time of the year, grazing in the fields around the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mountain Farm Museum. Best viewing is in the early morning and late afternoon, summer thru fall. Winter viewing is unpredictable.

Learn more about elk viewing in the Smokies on our ‘Elk Watching‘ page

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