White Oak Flats Cemetery
A historic resting place of Gatlinburg's founders, known for its eerie atmosphere and connection to local lore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light
White Oak Flats Cemetery
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic resting place of Gatlinburg's founders, known for its eerie atmosphere and connection to local lore.
"A must-visit for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts seeking a quiet, atmospheric experience."
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the atmosphere, but avoid intrusive poses. Be mindful of the solemnity of the space.
🚶♀️ Easy to Miss Location
It's tucked away! Look for it on a hillside, a short walk from the main Gatlinburg strip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Founding Family Graves
Throughout the cemetery
See the final resting places of Gatlinburg's original settlers, like the Ogle family.
Revolutionary War Soldier Monument
Hillside
A poignant monument marks the grave of a soldier, possibly from WWII, adding a layer of historical depth.
Haunted History
Throughout the cemetery
Known for its eerie atmosphere, this cemetery is a popular stop on local ghost tours.
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Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Finding This Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the atmosphere, but avoid intrusive poses. Be mindful of the solemnity of the space. +1
🚶♀️ Easy to Miss Location
It's tucked away! Look for it on a hillside, a short walk from the main Gatlinburg strip.
👻 Ghost Tour Stop
Many tours include this cemetery, offering spooky tales and historical insights.
👟 Watch Your Step
The hillside terrain requires careful footing, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the atmosphere, but avoid intrusive poses. Be mindful of the solemnity of the space. +1
🚶♀️ Easy to Miss Location
It's tucked away! Look for it on a hillside, a short walk from the main Gatlinburg strip.
👻 Ghost Tour Stop
Many tours include this cemetery, offering spooky tales and historical insights.
👟 Watch Your Step
The hillside terrain requires careful footing, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find White Oak Flats Cemetery to be a historically significant and atmospheric site, offering a peaceful escape from Gatlinburg's bustle. Many appreciate its connection to the town's founding families and its reputation for being haunted, making it a popular stop for ghost tours. However, some note that it can be tricky to find and requires careful navigation due to its hillside location.
"White Oak Flats is a must visit when you arrive to Gatlinburg. We even had a visitor show up (bear 🐻🐾) when we were walking around paying our respects. There is a lot of history here to take in - from the original settlers to even individuals from the Revolutionary War.
It is a bit tricky to find. You need to walk to it off the strip."
Sheri Lind
"White Oak Flats Cemetery is a very eerie place. The cemetery is very old and a lot of the original families from Gatlinburg lay to rest here so please be respectful. White Oak Flats Cemetery is known to be haunted. Ghost tours stop here to tell different tales that have been passed along over the years. It is some cool history here. The cemetery had a pretty chill vibe while I was there. Also there's a beautiful view of the skybridge from here."
Jftravels
"I never knew this cemetery was here tucked away. Very beautiful and peaceful. They say it's haunted. I took a few pics. Maybe there's a ghost in them. LoL"
Justin Harbour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
White Oak Flats Cemetery is located in downtown Gatlinburg, but it's a bit hidden. You'll need to walk to it from the main strip. It's situated on a hillside, so keep an eye out for the entrance. +1
Parking directly at the cemetery is limited or non-existent. It's best to park in one of the downtown Gatlinburg lots and walk to the cemetery.
While some ghost tours operate at night, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to better appreciate the historical markers.
Due to its hillside location and uneven terrain, it may be challenging to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. Careful footing is advised.
A short walk from the main tourist areas will lead you to the cemetery. It's a good way to experience a quieter side of Gatlinburg.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, White Oak Flats Cemetery is a public historical site and does not require an entrance fee. It's free to visit and explore respectfully.
As an outdoor historical site, there are no strict opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Yes, several local ghost tours and historical walking tours include White Oak Flats Cemetery as a stop, offering insights into its history and alleged hauntings. +1
Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful poses, and remember it's a place of rest. +1
There is no dedicated visitor center at White Oak Flats Cemetery. Information is best gathered from local tour guides or by researching its history beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This cemetery is the final resting place for many of Gatlinburg's founding families, including the prominent Ogle family, and holds a deep connection to the area's early settlement history.
Yes, it is widely considered to be haunted and is a popular stop on local ghost tours, with many tales and alleged paranormal activity reported. +1
You'll find a variety of old gravestones, including flat stones and upright markers, some dating back many years, with notable monuments like the WWII soldier's marker.
The cemetery is located on a hillside, so expect uneven ground and inclines. Careful footing is recommended.
There are no public restrooms or facilities directly within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to use facilities in downtown Gatlinburg before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The cemetery offers a moody and atmospheric setting. Look for interesting headstone details, the hillside views, and the interplay of light and shadow, especially during golden hour.
Inappropriate or disrespectful photography, such as staged poses that mock the solemnity of the site, is strongly discouraged. The focus should be on respectful documentation. +1
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to use tripods discreetly and ensure they do not obstruct pathways or disturb other visitors. Respectful use is key.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, can provide beautiful, soft light that enhances the cemetery's atmosphere. Early mornings can also offer a peaceful, less crowded experience.
Focus on the historical headstones, the veteran's monument, and the overall serene yet eerie ambiance of the resting place of Gatlinburg's founders.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a less busy time, like a weekday morning, for a more peaceful experience. While some may find the 'haunted' aspect intriguing, it's best to frame it as historical folklore rather than focusing on scary elements for younger children. The cemetery is a quiet place for reflection, so ensure children understand the need for a calm demeanor throughout the visit.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Many visitors report feeling a distinct presence or experiencing unexplained phenomena. While evidence is subjective, the cemetery's history and its role as a resting place for early settlers contribute to its mystique.
Remember to be respectful of the site and its inhabitants while exploring. The goal is to investigate and observe, not to disturb or disrespect. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Aim for respectful photography that captures the mood and historical significance of the site. Consider visiting during the golden hour for dramatic lighting, or early morning for a serene, less crowded experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of White Oak Flats
The cemetery's stones tell stories of the community's past, from its agricultural roots to its eventual transformation into a tourist destination. It's a tangible link to the pioneers who shaped this mountain town. Beyond the founding families, the cemetery also honors those who served the nation. A notable monument commemorates a soldier who may have fallen during World War II, adding a layer of patriotic remembrance to the historical narrative.
For those interested in genealogy or local history, White Oak Flats Cemetery is a treasure trove. Its well-documented nature online makes it a valuable resource for researchers. The cemetery's presence in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg also highlights its importance to the community, serving as a constant reminder of its origins.
Navigating the Eerie Atmosphere
Local lore and ghost tours frequently feature tales of spirits and unexplained phenomena within the cemetery grounds. These narratives add a layer of intrigue for those seeking a thrill or a glimpse into the supernatural.
Even without the paranormal claims, the cemetery possesses a unique ambiance. The quiet solitude, broken only by the sounds of nature, can be profoundly moving. It's a place where history feels palpable, and the stories of the past seem to whisper through the ancient stones.
Photography Etiquette in Historic Cemeteries
This means avoiding staged photos that mock the solemnity of the cemetery, such as overly dramatic or disrespectful poses. Instead, focus on capturing the details of the headstones, the landscape, and the overall mood of the location.
Consider the time of day for your photography. Golden hour, during late afternoon, can cast a beautiful, soft light that enhances the cemetery's atmosphere.
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