walker sisters place

This is a great beginner hike and it is a great hike for photographers! You can find all types of wildflowers, wildlife, fungus, and the the Walker Sister's Cabin itself is beautiful to photograph. Love walking through this place and imagining what is was like to live there. I imagine the sister's going about their daily routines. A must do! Don't forget to check out the Greenbrier School at the Trail Head and Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic and dip in the river.

It was the Walker Sisters' homestead that initiated my love for Smoky Mountain history and historical buildings. Away from the crowded, well-publicized areas within GSMNP, this is most definitely worth your time. I do recommend acquainting yourself with the story of the Sisters (or at least ask a ranger or volunteer at Sugarlands or Cades Cove VC about them) before heading up to their cabin.The first way to access the homestead is a hiking trail beginning in Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, across the bridge. Good parking available. The second way is a hiking trail that's marked, just slightly hidden, on Lyons Spring Road (the road that leads from Wears Valley to Metcalf Bottoms). This is the Little Greenbrier Trail and there is room for a couple vehicles. The third way is a narrow, unimproved road, albeit marked, also on Lyons Spring Road. At various times this road ranges from dusty, leaf-y, and pothole-ly to muddy and slightly treacherous should you encounter another vehicle coming from the other direction (there are precious few pullouts, I believe three, so be prepared to back down). A few parking spots are at the top (end) of the road.All three ways lead you to the Little Greenbrier School/Church (see my other review) and Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Look north from either and you will see a gated NPS service road. This is the beginning of the 1.1 mile, easy hike to the Walker Sisters' homestead. The path is wide, often leaf-covered, with a stream running alongside. It's particularly enjoyable in the off-season when you may have it all to yourself. Be sure to look for the many types of mountain flowers blooming at various times through the year, as well as small wildlife. At about the 1 mile point, the path rounds a large bend, and the sight of the homestead (double cabin dating from the 1840s and 1850s, corn crib, springhouse), situated picturesquely in a clearing by the creek, might take your breath away.The 5 unmarried Walker Sisters inherited the farm from their father, and continued to live here - working the land, tending animals, creating their own clothes, etc. - until their deaths. They only agreed to sell their land to the Park in the early 1940s when they were given a lifetime lease. The last Sister, Louisa, remained here into her 80s, passing in 1964. Take some time inside the cabins and strolling the land. Would I be as brave and self-reliant as Louisa and her sisters, to not only stand up to the the Park Commission but to face the rigours of mountain independence? How often would I (or could I) make the trip into the nearest town, many miles away? Did I can enough for winter? What's my alternative if the main crop fails? Did I chop enough wood to keep us all warm? Can I heal myself, and others? How will I handle old age, death, loneliness? This homestead provides an excellent opportunity to immerse children (and yourself!) in the history of the Smokies, as well as in the values of self-reliance, the significance of strong women, and the importance of living with, not against, Nature. The Walker Sisters Place, along with Greenbrier School, nearby Cemetery, and a Metcalf Bottoms picnic make for an excellent full morning or afternoon.

Loved this place! What a beautiful place to visit back in time!! The weather was fantastic & the leaves were full in color!

If you're not familiar with the Walker Sisters' Place, you're not likely to find it. It's a short walk from the parking lot of the Little Greenbrier School in the Metcalf Bottoms section of the Smokies. It's an amazing sight to see the cabins and learn the history. It's even more amazing when you think that these women lived way out here, in what was absolute wilderness then, all by themselves.It's quiet and peaceful, and a great spot to relax away from the crowds that can congregate at the more popular areas in the Smokies.

I would recommend parking at metcalf bottoms and walking up . There is a road but it is narrow. The cabin is interesting and there is a very interesting cemetery outside . Very nice easy peaceful walk

Nice walk through the woods to an old homestead with lots of history. Easy hike down an old road to the homestead of the Walker sisters. There is a lot of history available regarding these sisters at any of the visitors centers. Homestead includes home, barns, and small shed build over the creed to keep things cool, etc.

We started out at the school and cemetery. The walk seemed longer than 1.1 miles but was a fairly easily trail. It was amazing to think those ladies lived out there by themselves. It was so quite otherwise that the leaves rustling and a squirrel playing in the branches seemed loud. Beautiful way to spend a morning. I marked to allow more than 3 hours but that may be longer than some people need. We tend to linger longer than many people - sitting in the school desk and imaging what it must have been like for those children, a thoughtful stroll around the cemetery, taking photos, standing and looking out the windows in the cabin at what the view must have been for the sisters, etc.

I've wanted to visit the Walker sisters home for years. We visit the Smokies often. This place is amazing. I could close my eyes and imagine their life and feel their presence. The park is extremely congested on the weekend and this short walk (1.3 miles one way) was quiet. A decent pair of walking shoes is a must. If you like, turn right after exiting the access road and experience Wear Valley. It's a nice shortcut into the Park if you stay on the "quiet side" in Townsend, TN and avoid the crowds.

Loved this homestead and was an easy walk. The buildings were beautiful, saw a couple of turkeys, and met someone that knew the sisters that lived here up until 60 years ago.

Bring your walking shoes!! It's a mile one way to the house, very nice hike. Loved the historical part, the house and the Greenbrier school. Very nice overall!!

I had read the book about the Walker Sisters prior to our visit. The history made this so much more enjoyable than visiting some of the other historic buildings in the park. I enjoyed sharing tidbits of information with my kids as we walked along. It sure seemed longer than 1.1 miles back to the homestead from the school! Other than an uphill grade, the path is easy as you are walking along an old road. We saw a big bear in the woods on the way back! This made for a perfect hike!

The Walker place still in the Smokeys is a wonderful place to visit. Don't be afraid of heights since the road there is only 1 way with traffic. If someone else comes, there are only 3 side spots you can pull into to let another car pass or you will have to back down the drive way. Must see place.

This place is not as well advertised as Cade's Cove, Cattaloochie, or the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and I suppose to some not worth the effort. After all, you are only going to see one home place as opposed to the multiple on the other trails. Having said that, I love this one just for its more remote feel and the fact that the foot traffic here is lighter. Also, take the time to learn the fascinating story of the Walker Sisters before your visit- makes the trip even more fun. The trail is a little over a mile in length so a little over two miles round trip and well maintained. In fact, the trail follows an old road bed and driveway so the area is reasonably even and not overgrown. The cabin is neat in its design but don't expect to find it vacant just because the owners moved out years ago. We were greeted at the door by a large chicken snake who really wanted us to go on our way so he could raid the bird nest in the rafters of its eggs. We gave him his space and he kept a wary vigil. Beautiful hike, lovely cabin, and even more fascinating history.

The trail starts at the Greenbriar Schoolhouse, and it's almost all level and paved with gravel. The road is actually a park service road, so it's not a crazy hike with steep hills and tree roots all over the place. The cabin is so well-hidden that you don't know it's there until you're almost on top of it. It's in a nicely landscaped clearing, and you can see the springhouse (still functional) and other outbuildings. Go in the cabin and see all of the shelves on the walls and climb the rung ladder to the loft. There is still some of the newspaper on the walls (the whole cabin used to be papered with it). Apparently there are sometimes volunteers in period dress who will demonstrate weaving, etc., but I just missed them. Do some reading on the Walker Sisters before you go and you'll have a much greater appreciation for the visit!

I have never been there,I had been to TENNESSEE like 6 times before,I wish i would've gone to the Smoky mountains park,that'd definetely be an interesting Historical place to visit ;I'm so glad that I finally opened an account with Tripadvisor,this is my 1st comment; the Walker sisters Place reminds me of the Farm where my grandma lives in San nicolas,Esteli,NICARAGUA. That's one main reason why i have deciede to go there next time I do go up North since I do live in the Florida Keys. thx,tripadvisor ,I have visited this webpage many times before ,now I have my own account ,which would make things so much easier...;)