Appalachian log cabins came from the influence of German and Scandinavian traditions brought by settlers to the area in the 18th century. The masonry can mostly be traced to Scotch-Irish influence, and the design has a resemblance to that of English. Most logs used during that time used would have been chestnut, oak, spruce, and poplar.
If you have "done it all" in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area during your stay, have time, and want to try something new out of the way, consider a side trip that you can do in one day. Take a scenic drive via Blue Rudge Parkway to Mt. Mitchell.
Originally approved by Congress in 1944, the Foothills Parkway was envisioned as a 72-mile route from Chilhowee Lake to Cosby. In the late 1960s, portions of the Foothills Parkway were completed: a 17-mile section between US 129 and Walland, and on the eastern end, a 5.5-mile section connecting Cosby with Interstate 40.
Considered a hidden gem in the Smokies, Pittman Center offers small-town charm and breathtaking natural scenery. Visitors to Pittman Center enjoy peace, quiet, history, and an entrance to the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Harrisburg Covered Bridge across the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee is a historical landmark that has been standing since the early 19th century.