Visit These 7 Creepy Ghost Towns In Tennessee At Your Own Risk

There's something insanely fascinating about a ghost town. Who lived there, once upon a time? Why did they leave? When did they leave? Adventurers and storytellers alike find themselves thumbing through old maps and that crumpled atlas in the basement to find places that were once, long ago, fascinating. Technically, these ghost towns in Tennessee are still fascinating, just in a completely different way.

Whenever I visit a new place, I always check to see if there are any ghost towns near me. Yes, it's weird. But these old towns have such a history to them, and even with Mother Nature slowly reclaiming them, they're mesmerizing.

Now is probably a good time to remind everyone about trespassing. If a sign says "keep out," respect it! Many of these places are dangerous to visit, and you never know when a structure will collapse. You wouldn't want your abandoned adventure to end up with you getting hurt or thrown in jail.

1. Mousetail Landing

Curious about where the ghost town is in this state park? Legend has it that it's at the bottom of the lake. In the early 1800s, in what’s now the northern side of Mousetail Landing State Park, there used to be a tannery. One day the tannery caught fire, and amidst the blaze, dozens and dozens of mice were seen running from the scene.

2. Big Greenbrier

The town was founded in the 1800s and was slowly eaten by the hands of time. You can still see the walls that once enclosed the settlement, as well as some old buildings. This is one of the Tennessee ghost towns that you can walk through, and I'd recommend reading up on the history of this fascinating town before you visit!

3. Newsom's Landing

The original town of Newsom's Landing was built around 1808, after which it was destroyed by a flood. In 1862 it was up and moving again due to the mill situated in the town and families that would come visit due to the train depot. Sadly, now, you can only see the remains of the dam and a bit of the mill.

Newsom's Landing is part of our epic haunted road trip through Tennessee if you're feeling inspired to hit the road!

4. Salem-Overall

Located out near modern-day Murfreesboro and settled in the 1800s, you can barely see the chimney remnants that herald the once neat Tennessee town.

5. Sunshine

Located right near Cades Cove, the once bustling town of Sunshine was filled with tourists from Knoxville. Nowadays, you'll find some stone blocking from the old chimney and some scattered foundation work. When the train route was changed the poor town found itself crumpling in. Sad days, Sunshine. Unfortunately, the railroad played a big part in what towns survived and which ones did not in those days.

6. Wheat

Once a booming town due to the Manhattan Project, the faltering population and lapsing of the "Secret CIty" has made the whole of the area extinct. You can still see the George Jones Missionary Church, though. The last standing nod to the past.

7. Elkmont

Probably the most popular Tennessee ghost town, Elkmont is located in the Great Smoky Mountains. In fantastic shape, you can still visit the graveyard and hotel, as well as deserted vacation homes and the old hunting lodge.

Have you ever visited any of these ghost towns in Tennessee? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

For more Tennessee ghost towns, take a road trip to some of these abandoned towns in Tennessee.