The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic building constructed in 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District. The structure has been rehabilitated by the National Park Service to closely resemble its 1930's appearance, with the addition of few modern amenities such as electricity and running water.
The building was originally used a gathering spot by lessees and guests of the Appalachian Club whose members, mostly from Knoxville, built rustic cabins nearby to serve as weekend or summer retreats in the years before the Park was created.
Today the 3,000 square foot clubhouse provides an excellent location for meetings, events and celebrations with the added charm of exposed wooden beams and massive stone fireplaces at each end, equipped with gas logs.
The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic building constructed in 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District. The structure has been rehabilitated by the National Park Service to closely resemble its 1930's appearance, with the addition of few modern amenities such as electricity and running water.
The building was originally used a gathering spot by lessees and guests of the Appalachian Club whose members, mostly from Knoxville, built rustic cabins nearby to serve as weekend or summer retreats in the years before the Park was created.
Today the 3,000 square foot clubhouse provides an excellent location for meetings, events and celebrations with the added charm of exposed wooden beams and massive stone fireplaces at each end, equipped with gas logs.
The 3,000 sq ft. clubhouse features a large, open meeting hall (60' x 25') with french doors along the entire east side, opening onto a broad, roofed porch with rocking chairs, overlooking the forest and a small creek.
There is no heating or air conditioning at the Clubhouse, but the Ballroom does provide four ceiling fans and 12 electrical outlets, in addition to an outlet in each room.
The Clubhouse is furnished with 12 (60") round tables seating 8 people each, 8 (3'x6') rectangular tables and 110 folding chairs to go with them. A sofa and chairs at one of the fireplaces, provides a nice sitting area, but no other furnishings are provided.
The Appalachian Clubhouse does not have a kitchen or cooking facilities like a stove or refrigerator, but there is a double sink with hot and cold running water and a warming kitchen (168 sq ft.) with 32 sq ft. of counter space. Six electrical outlets in the warming kitchen can be used to keep food warm and accommodate catering.
There are no restrooms inside the main building, but accessible restrooms with cold running water, flush toilets, electric lights and hand dryers are located about 150 ft. from the building.
Need to Know
Beginning March 1, valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors occupying the 15 designated parking spaces allocated to Appalachian Clubhouse during their reservation do not need a parking tag. Vehicles parking outside of the 15 designated parking spaces will need a parking tag.
Over the last 10 years, an average of 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported each year; many more go unreported. Visitors should be aware that high bear activity can occur in any area, and that your safety is not guaranteed. To increase your odds for a safe visit, please follow best practices for living and recreating in bear habitat. Stay alert and be prepared to react appropriately during possible encounters, and always report any unusual bear interactions as soon as possible.
The Clubhouse is available for daily use from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between April 1 and October 31. A reservation is required and may be made up to one year in advance.
Facility available for rental for day-use from 10 AM to 8 PM. Day use fee is $300 per day. An additional $400 refundable security deposit is due at booking and will be refunded if the facility is left in good condition. Refund of security deposit will be authorized 5-7 business days after reservation date. Refunds are returned via original method of payment.
Clean-up of the grounds, building, and furnishings is the responsibility of the guest. Furnishings must be returned to their original storage location. Guests are required to sweep and mop. General cleaning supplies and step ladders are provided.
Visitors must check in with park staff. Visitors must check in with park staff at the historical cabin location at 10 am (EST) No exceptions. Park staff will present the rental agreement and historical structure rules with the door code for the day. Check out time is by 8 p.m. (no exceptions).
Visitors are encouraged to carpool or consider shuttling guests from outside the park. Shuttle vehicles may not exceed 25 in length. Event-Directional Signs inside the park are prohibited.
Outside paths are not lighted. Visitors should bring flashlights for night use.
Candles, oil lamps and open flame devices are prohibited.
Portable heating devices, electric or otherwise, are prohibited.
There is no heat or air conditioning in the building.
Decorations are permitted, provided they do not harm the structure (no staples, tape, nails, screws, tacks, hooks, etc.) Carpet runners, balloons, garden arches-stands-risers-arbors or similar unnatural props, fireworks, fog machines, bubbles, silly string, or any other such materials are prohibited. Glitter, Rice, and Seeds are prohibited.
Alcohol is permitted in the cabin and on the patios, consistent with state law and park regulations.
Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.
Pets are prohibited in all federal buildings.
There is no cell phone service in the Elkmont area; the nearest limited coverage is about 3 miles away at Maloney Point.
Weddings and wedding receptions require a separate permit in addition to the cabin reservation; check the park website for Wedding and Special Event Permits.
Guests are prohibited from throwing any substance ( rice, seeds, glitter, confetti, flower pedals, and any similar substances.)
Caterers should call 828-497-1930 at least 48 hours before the event to obtain permission to enter the park for business.
The park strongly recommends that visitors tour the site before making a reservation and have a detailed event plan prior to arrival. Site visits are scheduled by calling 865-436-1286. Scheduled site visits run from March through November of each season.
Site Visits can be scheduled during the following hours:
April thru October 8am-10am (EST) Tues-Sat.
March and November 8am-2:30pm (EST) Mon-Fri.
Natural Features
The Appalachian Clubhouse is located in the southern portion of Elkmont in an historic district referred to as "Daisy Town," between the mouths of Jakes Creek and Bearwallow Branch.
The facility is surrounded by the lush forests and steep ridges of Tennessee's Upper Little River Valley, and provides no shortage of both scenic and historic attractions within walking distance of the clubhouse.
Nearby Attractions
Two popular trailheads: Jakes Creek and Little River, are located near the clubhouse. The adjacent Elkmont Campground offers traditional outdoor camping.
Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located a short drive from the clubhouse, offering tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
Recreation
Most visitors to the clubhouse host parties or meetings in the expansive, historic space. Although the clubhouse features a few modern amenities, it is still quite rustic in comparison to most venues and requires careful event planning prior to arrival.
Tablecloths, tableware, projectors, screens, extensions cords, paper towels, etc. are not provided and must be brought by the renter.
Visitors preparing for an event may not pin or tape decorations, balloons, banners, directional signage, etc. anywhere in the park. To ensure visitors arrive safely at the event location, provide guests with directions prior to their departure.
Individuals wishing to reserve the Clubhouse for a wedding, wedding reception and/or wedding photography, will need an additional Special Use Permit and may click here for more information.
Contact Information
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500 Elkmont Road Gatlinburg TN 37738
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 865-436-1261
Proceed south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (aka US 441) 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road towards Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to the Elkmont (Campground) Road and turn left. Go. 1.4 miles and turn left just before the campground office (sign says: Elkmont Nature Trail 0.3, Little River Trail 0.6 and Jakes Creek Trail.). Follow the road to Jakes Creek and continue on around the one-way loop to the Appalachian Club. (Nearest street address is 500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN)
