Avent Cabin

Avent Cabin is a small, one-room log cabin in Elkmont, set off the Jakes Creek Trail and apart from the Daisy Town cottage cluster. It’s a quiet history stop for anyone interested in the Smokies’ mountain communities or the artist who worked here. From Jakes Creek Trailhead, allow about two miles round trip with roughly 500 feet of climbing; this is a hike, not a roadside stop.

The turn is unmarked and easy to miss. After Jakes Creek Trail crosses a shallow creek, continue about 25–30 yards and watch for wooden steps on the right. Cross the long footbridge, then climb the short spur to the cabin. The path can be slick and muddy in rainy weather, so give yourself time to locate the turn and watch your footing.

The cabin dates to the mid-1800s. Frank Avent bought it in 1918 for his wife, painter Mayna Treanor Avent. A large window was added in 1926 to bring more light into her workspace. She studied painting in Paris, made carved woodblock prints, and became one of Tennessee’s first recognized female artists.

The walk also passes remains of Elkmont’s former summer cottages, including stone walls and chimneys. Avent Cabin is separate from the Daisy Town cottages and has its own spur. For a photo, include the cabin and its distinctive stone chimney so the building stays the focus, not just the surrounding woods.