Little Greenbrier School & Metcalf Bottoms
Step back in time at this 1882 one-room schoolhouse and church, nestled in the Smokies with a scenic creek and historic cemetery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Little Greenbrier School & Metcalf Bottoms
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this 1882 one-room schoolhouse and church, nestled in the Smokies with a scenic creek and historic cemetery.
"A neat, beautiful, and serene place that gives you a sense of going back in time."
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road can be challenging for 2WD vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully!
🅿️ Parking Pass Needed
A National Park parking pass is required. Get yours in Cades Cove or other park locations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Main building
Step into a preserved 1882 one-room schoolhouse, also used as a church. See old desks and a chalkboard.

Metcalf Bottoms Creek
Behind the schoolhouse
A picturesque creek perfect for photos, offering a serene natural backdrop to the historic site.
Historic Cemetery
Beside the parking area
Explore a small, quiet cemetery offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area.
Walker Sisters Cabin
Along the trail
Discover the cabin of five independent sisters who lived off the land, offering a poignant historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Parking
Hike or Drive? Embrace the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road can be challenging for 2WD vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully!
🅿️ Parking Pass Needed
A National Park parking pass is required. Get yours in Cades Cove or other park locations.
🚶♀️ Hike for the Experience
Even if the road is open, the hike is highly recommended for the views and atmosphere.
📸 Creek for Photos
The stream behind the schoolhouse is a beautiful spot for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road can be challenging for 2WD vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully!
🅿️ Parking Pass Needed
A National Park parking pass is required. Get yours in Cades Cove or other park locations.
🚶♀️ Hike for the Experience
Even if the road is open, the hike is highly recommended for the views and atmosphere.
📸 Creek for Photos
The stream behind the schoolhouse is a beautiful spot for photography.
🚽 Limited Facilities
Restrooms are scarce; a port-a-potty is available. Plan accordingly!
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience Appalachian history and simpler times at this preserved site.
👻 Haunted History?
Some visitors report a spooky atmosphere and paranormal activity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Little Greenbrier School & Metcalf Bottoms for its historical significance and serene natural beauty, offering a genuine step back in time. While the rough road and limited facilities are noted drawbacks, the rewarding hike and picturesque creek make it a highly recommended destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
"This was our first visit after hearing about it for years. The grounds were well maintained.
The road coming in was a little rough and some two wheel drive vehicles might have a hard time during certain times of the year.
I recommend finding a rest room before coming. There is a port-a-potty that was - well it is a port-a-potty.
The parking is a gravel parking lot. Remember, this is part of the national park so you will need a parking pass. You can get them in Cades Cove. There are probably other places to get them as well. That is where we got ours."
Gary Garland
"Highly recommended, even if the road is closed, the hike is so worth it! Such a neat, beautiful and serene place that gives you a sense of going back in time. The schoolhouse, cemetery, and the old bridge that crosses the creek (behind the school), all of it is a must see!"
Becky B
"If you like history and the outdoors, you will enjoy this. There is a little stream behind the school house that is great for pictures. There is also a small cemetery beside the parking area. In addition, there are a couple short trails that you can hike from this spot."
Christi Markwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Greenbrier School is accessible via a gravel road off the main park road. The road can be rough, especially after rain, and may be challenging for two-wheel drive vehicles. Many visitors opt to hike the trail to the schoolhouse, which is a scenic and rewarding experience.
The road's accessibility can vary depending on weather conditions and park maintenance. It's advisable to check with the National Park Service for current road status. If closed, the hike is a popular alternative.
There is a gravel parking lot available at the schoolhouse. Remember that a National Park parking pass is required for all vehicles within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yes, Metcalf Bottoms is a picnic area accessible by car, and the trail to Little Greenbrier School starts from here. The road leading to the schoolhouse itself can be more challenging.
The Walker Sisters Cabin is located along the Metcalf Bottoms to Little Brier Gap trail, making it a stop on the hike to or from the Little Greenbrier School.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required to visit Little Greenbrier School. However, a National Park parking pass is mandatory for your vehicle within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The schoolhouse is a historic site and is generally accessible during park hours. Special historical presentations may occur on occasion, but it's not a regularly staffed attraction with set hours.
As of recent updates, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The schoolhouse and surrounding trails are generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. Road conditions can impact access during winter months.
While there aren't typically formal guided tours, historical information is often available on-site. Occasionally, historical interpreters may be present for presentations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved one-room schoolhouse with its original desks and chalkboard, visit the adjacent historic cemetery, and enjoy the scenic Metcalf Bottoms creek. The Walker Sisters Cabin is also nearby along the trail.
Yes, it's a great spot for families! Kids can enjoy the nature walk, playing in the creek, and learning about history in a tangible way. The hike is generally manageable for most ages.
Facilities are very limited. There is a port-a-potty on site, but it's recommended to use restrooms before arriving at the location.
The main trail to the schoolhouse is relatively easy, and there are also short hiking trails branching off from the schoolhouse area, including the path to the Walker Sisters Cabin.
Absolutely! The historic schoolhouse, the charming creek, the cemetery, and the surrounding natural beauty offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Little Greenbrier School is a historic site within the national park, and there are no dining facilities directly on-site. You'll need to pack a picnic or plan to eat before or after your visit in nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Townsend.
Yes, Metcalf Bottoms is a designated picnic area with tables and grills, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal before or after exploring the schoolhouse.
Cades Cove itself does not have dining facilities. Food options are available in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend, which are the main gateway towns to the park.
It is highly recommended to bring your own food, snacks, and plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike or spend an extended period exploring the area, as amenities are scarce.
The closest grocery stores will be in the gateway towns like Townsend or Gatlinburg. It's best to stock up on supplies before heading into the national park.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the schoolhouse, the interior with its desks and chalkboard, the creek behind the building, and the historic cemetery all offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding forest also provides beautiful natural backdrops.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows. The creek area can be particularly lovely with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
Drone usage is restricted in all National Parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for safety and privacy reasons. Please check the official NPS website for current regulations.
Yes, visitors are generally permitted to photograph the interior of the schoolhouse. Be respectful of the historic nature of the site.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the schoolhouse and landscapes. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing the creek.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Hikers
📸 Photographers
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Appalachian History
Adjacent to the schoolhouse, you'll find a historic cemetery, offering a quiet space for reflection on the lives of the early settlers. Nearby, the Walker Sisters Cabin provides further insight into the self-sufficient lifestyle of Appalachian families. These sisters famously refused to leave their ancestral land when the park was established, embodying the independent spirit of the region. Exploring these interconnected historical sites provides a comprehensive understanding of life in the Smokies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Many visitors describe the experience as feeling like they've 'stepped back in time.' The preserved nature of the schoolhouse, with its old desks and chalkboard, allows for an immersive historical experience. The surrounding natural beauty of the Metcalf Bottoms creek and the lush forest further enhances the serene and evocative atmosphere of the area. It's a place where history and nature converge, offering a unique and memorable visit for those interested in the heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
The Journey to Little Greenbrier
An increasingly popular alternative, especially if the road is closed or for those seeking a more immersive experience, is to hike to the schoolhouse. The trail, often starting from the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, is well-regarded for its beauty and the sense of discovery it provides. This hike allows visitors to appreciate the natural environment of the Smoky Mountains at a slower pace and truly connect with the historical context of the school's remote location. The effort is consistently described as 'so worth it' by those who undertake it.
Parking is available in a gravel lot at the schoolhouse. It's crucial to remember that a National Park parking pass is required for any vehicle parked within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These passes can typically be obtained at visitor centers or other designated locations within the park, such as Cades Cove. Planning ahead for parking and road conditions will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to this historic gem.
Beyond the Schoolhouse: Exploring the Area
For those interested in local history and folklore, the Walker Sisters Cabin is a must-visit. Located along the trail, this preserved cabin tells the story of five resilient sisters who maintained their independence and their land within the burgeoning national park. Exploring the cabin offers a poignant look into the self-sufficient lifestyle that was once common in these mountains. Some visitors also mention a sense of the supernatural or a 'spooky' atmosphere around the schoolhouse, with some paranormal investigations having taken place there.
These elements combined—the historic school, the natural beauty of the creek, the compelling story of the Walker Sisters, and the whispers of local legends—create a rich tapestry of experiences that extend beyond a simple visit to a single building.
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