Chickery's Travels

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  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Tampa
        • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
        • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
        • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
        • Why We Love Tampa
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Biggest Regret Full-Time RV Living
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Cooking Videos
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • About Us
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12:05 pm by J Chickery

Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking for a breathtaking destination filled with endless opportunities for outdoor activities and incredible sights to behold, look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Established in 1934, this stunning park in the Appalachian Mountains straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border is America’s most visited national park, attracting over 12 million visitors every year. In this guide, I’ll take you through the diverse landscapes, thrilling adventures, and tranquil retreats that this magical place has to offer.

The Great Smoky Mountains boast over 522,000 acres (2,114 sq. km) of untouched beauty, ranging from dense forests and rocky peaks to pristine waterfalls and lush valleys. With over 100 tree species, 1,500 types of flowering plants, and 140 distinctive wildlife species, the park is a dazzling showcase of biodiversity. One of the latest research studies conducted by the National Park Service confirms the park has more species of flora and fauna than any other protected area in the U.S.

Table of Contents
  • Navigating Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    • Morton Overlook
    • Newfound Gap
    • Clingmans Dome
    • Oconaluftee Valley Overlook
    • Mingus Mill Overlook
  • Enjoying the Great Outdoor Activities
  • Cherishing the Rich Cultural Heritage
  • Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Staying in Tennessee
  • Staying in North Carolina
  • Answering the Call of the Great Smoky Mountains

Navigating Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A scenic highway running directly through Great Smoky Mountains National park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a scenic highway running directly through it making it one of the easiest national parks to navigate. Starting from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you’ll drive south along US-441 through the park towards Cherokee, North Carolina. As you make your way into the heart of the park, the road will start to climb, offering you ever-improving views of the stunning panoramas that define this iconic American landscape.

Morton Overlook

As you leave Gatlinburg, be sure not to miss Morton Overlook. Perched along the highway’s eastern side, this atmospheric spot affords a scenic vista of distant mountains, rolling hills, and the Little Pigeon River far below. It’s an ideal place to watch the sunset, as the golden hour bathes the surrounding landscape in an unforgettable light.

Newfound Gap

As you ascend ever higher along the highway, you’ll eventually reach Newfound Gap, the road’s highest point at an elevation of 5,046 feet. This is a must-visit destination for any traveler, offering unmatched panoramic views of both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the state line marker, a popular spot for memory-making among tourists.

Clingmans Dome

Just a short detour from Newfound Gap is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. A steep half-mile hike from the parking area will bring you to an observation tower, from which you can take in stunning 360-degree views that often include glimpses of up to 100 miles away on clear days.

Clingman's Dome at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Oconaluftee Valley Overlook

Continuing north along US-441, make sure to stop at the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook. Providing a bird’s-eye view of the Oconaluftee River and the surrounding valley, this is the ideal spot to pause and capture some pictures of the signature blue haze that gives the Great Smoky Mountains their name.

Blue mountain ranges as seen from Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mingus Mill Overlook

Just a short drive from the park’s North Carolina entrance, Mingus Mill Overlook provides a fantastic introduction to the rich cultural history of the Cherokee people who have called these mountains home for centuries. The mill itself, a well-preserved example of 19th-century mountain life, is a fascinating destination in its own right. However, the overlook also offers breathtaking views of the lush mountain forest that covers most of the park.

Enjoying the Great Outdoor Activities

A beautiful river in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are an adventurer’s dream come true, offering countless activities for every kind of thrill-seeker. Fishing enthusiasts can spend days angling over 2,900 miles (4,666 km) of streams teeming with trout and other species. Horseback riding is another great way to explore the park’s beauty, with five horse camps and over 550 miles (885 km) of horse trails. And come winter, the park serves as a haven for snow sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Get those hiking boots ready, as this park has more than 800 miles (1,287 km) of trails that cater to all skill levels, from gentle strolls to challenging summits. A few of the most popular trails include:

  • For a leisurely and family-friendly experience, the Gatlinburg Trail is perfect. It is one of only two dog-friendly trails in the park, making it a fantastic option for those visiting with their furry friends. The relatively flat trail is also accessible for those with mobility challenges, including wheelchairs. The 3.8-mile round-trip stroll takes you through peaceful forests and along the water’s edge on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Historical remains of old homesteads add a touch of history to this beautiful hike.
  • An invigorating half-day hike, Chimney Tops is a steep but rewarding 3.8-mile round-trip trek. As you ascend through the lush forests, you’ll be treated to eye-catching bursts of wildflowers during the spring and a kaleidoscope of colors during fall foliage season. Although your journey to the top will be met with some rocky and challenging terrain, the panoramic views from the pinnacles make every step worthwhile.
  • The Alum Cave Trail is without a doubt one of the park’s most popular trails, and for good reason! This 4.4-mile round-trip journey leads you through archways, along steep cliffs, and across a picturesque mountain stream. Alum Cave Bluff is the true star of this trail, a massive concave cliff, towering 80 feet overhead.
  • If you’re looking to experience the beauty of the park’s waterfalls, Rainbow Falls Trail is the perfect choice. This moderate 5.4-mile round-trip hike takes you along LeConte Creek and culminates at the park’s highest single-drop waterfall, Rainbow Falls. As the sunlight filters through the trees, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of a magical rainbow reflecting in the waterfall’s mist.
  • The Appalachian Trail (AT) is the iconic long-distance hike in America. Passing through 14 states, it extends from Georgia to Maine for over 2,190 miles. Within the park, the trail covers over 70 miles, traversing the very backbone of the Smokies. I enjoyed hiking from Newfound Gap to get great views as well as a taste of the AT. You can also hike from there to the highest peak in the park at Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet) although it is a 15-mile hike.

Cherishing the Rich Cultural Heritage

Historic cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Long before it became a national park, the Great Smoky Mountains were inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee people. In fact, the name “Smoky Mountains” is derived from the Cherokee word “Shaconage,” meaning “place of the blue smoke.” However, European settlers eventually displaced the Cherokee people, resulting in the infamous Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Fortunately, remnants of Cherokee culture still remain today in the park, such as the remnants of the sacred Cherokee Indian town of Kituwah.

During the early to mid-19th century, pioneers began to settle in the valleys and coves throughout the Smoky Mountains. One such valley is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop, which has evolved into an outdoor museum showcasing the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, visitors can step back in time by exploring numerous historical buildings and sites including:

  • John Oliver Cabin: Constructed in the early 1820s, this is one of the oldest structures in Cades Cove. Belonging to one of the earliest settlers in the area, the cabin provides visitors a glimpse into the lives of pioneers.
  • Cades Cove Methodist Church: Established in 1820, the church was the center of worship for the early settlers and reflected the importance of faith in their lives.
  • Cable Mill Area: This section of Cades Cove includes multiple historic structures, such as a working grist mill, blacksmith shop, and the Becky Cable House. It offers a unique insight into the industriousness of the early settlers.

Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road takes place each Wednesday, from May 3 through September 27, 2023. On these days, the 11-mile loop can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle.

Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tent at the Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For a truly immersive experience of GSMNP, there’s nothing quite like camping right in the heart of the park. With over ten campgrounds to choose from, you’ll have a range of options for connecting with nature. Some popular campgrounds include:

  • Cades Cove: This spacious, panoramic meadow provides visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and breathtaking views. The campground here offers vehicle access, making it ideal for families.
  • Elkmont: Nestled deep within the woods, Elkmont serves as a fantastic base for hiking into the higher elevations of the park. With its proximity to historic sites like Daisy Town and Spence Cabin, history buffs will find plenty to keep them engaged.

Don’t forget to make reservations, as campgrounds can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.

Staying in Tennessee

If you prefer the amenities of a town, consider booking a stay in one of the several towns on the Tennessee side of GSMNP. These towns offer a fantastic mix of proximity to park entrances, cozy accommodations, and a vibrant local scene.

  • Gatlinburg: As a bustling tourist hub, Gatlinburg has a plethora of hotels, cabins, and unique attractions like the famous Sky Lift and the SkyBridge. You’ll also be just minutes away from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, making it a convenient point of entry into the park.
  • Pigeon Forge: With family-friendly attractions like Dollywood and more than 73,000 lodging options, Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination for visitors seeking entertainment both inside and outside of the park. We especially loved Camp Margaritaville, which has a campground and hotel offering the best of both worlds.

Staying in North Carolina

One of the best locations to stay on the North Carolina side of the park is Bryson City. Preserving its small-town atmosphere and nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this town is a sweet spot for mountain me-aways. There is an assortment of lodging options catering to various preferences, from hotels and vacation homes to cabin rentals and full-service campgrounds.

Be sure to plan extra time to explore the local area and enjoy the numerous things to do in Bryson City, NC.

Answering the Call of the Great Smoky Mountains

So why wait? It’s time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Great Smoky Mountains. Experience the thrilling adventures, witness the breathtaking vistas, and immerse yourself in the American wilderness like never before. But before you go, don’t forget to plan your visit well, taking into account the seasons, weather, and safety tips provided by the park’s experts. You can easily access all the necessary information on the National Park Service’s website.

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Mountain Views of Great Smoky Mountains National park

Filed Under: North Carolina, Tennessee

4:37 pm by Julie Leave a Comment

Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)

We really enjoyed our two-week stay at the Crossville KOA campground in Crossville, TN. While it has easy access on and off I-40, it is far enough away (about 5 miles) to make you feel as though you are in the country. It is so quiet and peaceful with all the amenities you expect from a KOA. Watch our video below to see the campground and some highlights from the local area.

RV, Tents, and Cabins

One thing we really like about KOAs is that they offer a range of accommodations, and this one is no exception. In addition to paved full-hook up sites, they have tent camping sites, as well as several different size cabins. Some of the cabins had RV hook-ups adjacent to them so you could have family come visit and have enough room to spread out. If you want to have a big gathering, they even have a 4-unit log lodge which could be a great place for family reunions. Each RV site has water, sewer, 50 amp power, a picnic table, and fire pit. Although we were there in July, we still made a fire in the evening.

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Once the sun started to set, it cooled down enough to have a campfire! #betteroutside #campfire #rvtravel #homeiswhereyouparkit #travelusa #rvcamping #rvcouple #rvlife #koacamping

A post shared by Chickery's travels (@chickerystravels) on Jul 5, 2018 at 6:33am PDT

Cumberland Plateau

This campground is situated in a beautiful part of Tennessee known as the Cumberland Plateau. There are some amazing historical sites, state parks, and beautiful waterfalls! One of our favorites is Burgess Falls. You can’t swim there, but you can see three waterfalls on one fairly short short hike (3/4 from the parking lot).

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The tallest of three waterfalls at Burgess Falls State Natural Area on the Cumberland Plateau in Sparta, TN. #lovetennessee #travelusa #rvlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #rvtravel #coupleswhotravel #rvcamping

A post shared by Chickery's travels (@chickerystravels) on May 30, 2018 at 2:47pm PDT

Click here to learn about some surprising WWII history in the local area.

Learn More

For more fabulous places to visit in the local area, follow us on Instagram @chickerystravels where we posted photos (like the ones below) almost everyday. https://www.instagram.com/p/BksHdtInznK/?taken-by=chickerystravels

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Last day in Tennessee, and it’s a beautiful one at that! #lovetn #koacamping #travelusa #homeiswhereyouparkit #rvlife @kampgroundsofamerica

A post shared by Chickery's travels (@chickerystravels) on Jul 13, 2018 at 6:11am PDT

Click here to make reservations for your next adventure! 

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share the image below to Pinterest.

Learn why your family will love the Crossville KOA campground. Set in an idyllic location near waterfalls, great hiking and a lake, this campground has RV & tent sites and well as cabins to rent. Amenities include a pool, game room, and more!

Learn why your family will love the Crossville KOA in Tennessee! Cabins, RV and tents sites mean there is a place for everyone and every budget. A swimming pool, game room and nearby waterfalls will ensure everyone is a happy camper. Visit the Crossville KOA in your RV, motorhome, fifth wheel, or camper.

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Filed Under: Campground Review, Campground Reviews, Tennessee Tagged With: campground, campground in crossville tn, campground on interstate 40, campground review, campgrounds, crab orchard (city/town/village), crossvile, Crossville, crossville (city/town/village), crossville i-40 koa, crossville military memorial museum, crossvilletn, cumberland homesteads, cumberland mountain state park, cumberland plateau, kampgrounds of america (business operation), KOA, koa campground, koa campground in crossvill, koa campground in east tn, koa campground in middle tn, koa camping, military museum, ozone falls, ozone falls (location), reviews, rv camping, RV Parks, Tennessee, tennessee (us state), tennessee campground, tennessee camping, tn, travel trailer camping

8:00 am by Julie 2 Comments

WWII History in Tennessee

The more we travel around the country in our RV, the more I realize how little I know about our history. This trip was no different, and I was very surprised to learn our campground in Tennessee was close to a WWII German POW camp and a nuclear laboratory that was a key component of the Manhattan project. Thank goodness for TripAdvsior or we may have missed these historic sites.

Atomic City – The Manhattan Project In Tennessee

I was shocked to learn that the uranium for the Little Boy bomb dropped on Hiroshima was enriched in Tennessee. Prior to this visit I had only heard of the Los Alamos Laboratory, which is where the bombs were developed.

Did you know that the uranium for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was enriched in Tennessee? We learned about it on a recent trip to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

In about 18 months the area transformed from farmland to a secret city that employed 82,000 people.

American Museum of Science and Energy

The museum in Oak Ridge has exhibits on the history of the Manhattan Project, as well as a bus tour of the nuclear laboratory sites.

Did you know that the uranium for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was enriched in Tennessee? We learned about it on a recent trip to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Story of Oak Ridge Museum Exhibits

We started our tour of the museum with two short films that explained the history of Oak Ridge as well as the Manhattan Project.

Walking through the museum, I thought the exhibits of the building of this secret city were the most interesting. Sean found the history of the science behind the discoveries here to be more to his liking. Since that part gives me a headache, I’ll tell you about the secret city.

In order to build the facilities needed for this large effort, the Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with the unpopular project of evicting about 1,000 farmers and families from 56,000 acres of land under eminent domain. Some families were given just a few weeks’ notice to vacate farms that had been their homes for generations and others had recently resettled in the area due to other government projects. None were happy about having to move again.

They basically built a guarded city in which you had to have credentials to enter. It was a true city though, with schools, seven theaters, restaurants and cafeterias, and grocery stores. A library with 9,400 books, sporting facilities, and churches. Several different types of housing was built for the workforce and their families including prefabricated modular homes, dormitories, and even a trailer village.

Sadly there was segregation at Oak Ridge although FDR had signed an executive order barring discrimination in the defense industries. The army and companies involved justified it by saying it was a necessary practice due to racial attitudes in the area. Black workers had the less desirable jobs and were required to live in small wooden shacks called hutments, unlike housing in other parts of the Oak Ridge community. At 14 feet by 14 feet, hutments were roughly the size of a storage shed and were shared by 5-6 people. Amenities were sparse, with a coal-burning stove, dirt floor, one door and no bathroom. Married black couples were not allowed to live together either.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Bus Tour

The museum also has a 3-hour bus tour that takes you through the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge facilities. This tour is in high demand, so be sure to sign up online or get there first thing in the morning.

There are several stops along the way including a visit to the X-10 Graphite Reactor, which “went critical” on November 4, 1943, and produced its first plutonium in early 1944. It supplied the Los Alamos Laboratory with its first significant amounts of plutonium. X-10 operated as a plutonium production plant until January 1945, when it was turned over to research activities, and the production of radioactive isotopes for scientific, medical, industrial and agricultural uses. It was shut down in 1963 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Did you know that the uranium for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was enriched in Tennessee? We learned about it on a recent trip to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

There was also a presentation at the Y‑12 National Security Complex, previously known as the the Y‑12 Electromagnetic Separation Plant where the uranium was enriched for the first atomic bomb. This facility is still in use today, although its mission has changed. Y‑12 played a key part in the production of thermonuclear weapons during the height of the cold war, and it continues to function as the nation’s uranium storage and processing  facility.

German POW Camp in Crossville

We learned about the history of the German POW Camp at the Military Memorial Museum in downtown Crossville, TN (right off I-40 about halfway between Knoxville and Nashville).

Visit the Military Memorial Museum in Crossville TN to see artifiacts from the Civil War to present day. Of particular interest is the model of the German WWII POW camp in Crossville.

While the camp is no longer standing, the museum has a model of the camp showing the layout as well as a significant amount of artifacts from the camp itself.

Originally intended as an interment camp for Japanese Americans, POW camp was established on approximately 200 acres of a Civil Conservation Corps site. It opened in November 1942, with 68 Germans captured about 17 days earlier in Casablanca, South Africa. It was one of the first POW camps in the United States and housed more than 1,500 German and Italian prisoners.

Exhibits include German uniforms and flags, a menu and cutlery from the dining room, as well letters written by prisoners. One unique item is an oil painting by Jürgen Sperber, a German soldier, who painted it to reassure his wife that he was being treated well.

In addition to the POW display, visitors to the museum can take in the many other exhibits showcasing memorabilia from the Civil War through today.

Where to Stay

While in Tennessee, we stayed at the Crossville KOA. It’s a great campground with RV & tent sites as well as cabins to rent. Watch our video review below to see the campground, as well as other attractions in the local area.

Click here to read about some amazing waterfalls and hikes in the area!SaveSave

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Filed Under: Tennessee Tagged With: cumberland plateau history, discovering german pow camps in america, German POW Camp in Crossville, german pow camps in america, manhattan project, museum of science and energy, oak ridge, oak ridge (city/town/village), oak ridge national laboratory, oak ridge tennessee, pow camps in america, pow camps in america visited, prisoner of war camp, prisoner of war camps in usa, prisoner of war camps in usa during ww2, Tennessee, tennessee valley authority, visiting pow camps in america, war, world war ii, world war ii in tennessee, WWII History, WWII History in Tennessee

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