Displaying items by tag: smokies cabin

Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed the Walker Sisters Cabin because of safety concerns including a shifting chimney.

The cabin is now inaccessible, but visitors can still explore the homestead and outbuildings as work proceeds to analyze and fix the landmark Smokies dwelling.

Restoration work will be funded by Friends of the Smokies.

Per the National Park Service:

“The cabin dates back to the 1800s and was occupied by the Walker Sisters until 1964. Park crews are concerned about recent movement around the chimney in the two-story cabin. Noticeable cracks and buckling around the stone masonry need to be repaired and stabilized to prevent further movement. The cabin is now closed to all use. 

“Cabin renovations, including roof replacement, are planned for the 2022 field season. The Friends of the Smokies have provided funding for this critical work as part of the Forever Places campaign to protect and preserve the park’s historical resources. The historic farmstead, including additional outbuildings, will remain accessible during the cabin closure. Visitors may reach the area by hiking approximately 1.4 miles along the Little Brier Gap Trail located near the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.”  

For more information about the Walker Sisters, please visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/historyculture/walker-sisters.htm. 

The Daily Times: Three little bears rescued from Sevier County crawlspace

Tennessee Wildlife Resource officers responded and chased the adult bear off with an air horn. Three cubs were soon discovered under the house.