Sallie Moore Cemetery

Hidden pioneer-era graves off a faint Metcalf Bottoms manway

Sallie Moore Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Image credit: Parkwolf

Pros & cons

PROS

  • Quiet, little-visited historic gravesite in the Metcalf Bottoms area
  • Mostly unmarked or fieldstone markers for a glimpse into settler-era burials

CONS

  • Off-trail along a faint manway; no signage or facilities
  • Hard to locate and easy to miss among undergrowth

Overview

A small, secluded family cemetery tucked near Metcalf Bottoms, Sallie Moore Cemetery is as minimal and authentic as they come. The only clearly marked grave is Salley Moore, who died in 1882. Others believed to rest here include an Infant McCarter, Sarah Moore, and William Riley Moore, but those graves are unmarked or their inscriptions have faded.

What You'll See

Expect a quiet forest setting with simple fieldstones and sparse, weathered markers. This is not a manicured site—its subdued appearance is part of the experience and a reminder of the area’s early communities.

Getting There & What to Expect

Access is via a faint manway rather than a maintained trail. There are no signs, facilities, or dedicated parking, and paths can be overgrown. Plan for light navigation and a short off-trail approach. Small historic cemeteries in the park typically have no amenities, so come self-sufficient.

Etiquette at Historic Gravesites

Treat the site as an active cultural resource: do not touch, straighten, or clean stones, and leave everything exactly as you found it. Enjoy in silence and keep group sizes small to minimize impact.

Hazards

Because the approach involves off-trail travel, be prepared for uneven footing, brush, and potential wildlife encounters. Warm-weather months can bring snakes, ticks, and poison ivy—dress accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours are best for route-finding. Leaf-off seasons (late fall through early spring) make the faint path and subtle markers easier to spot. Weekdays typically mean fewer people on nearby roads and pull-offs, making the whole outing feel even quieter.

Where it is

35.6735, -83.6418
Sallie Moore Cemetery

Tips for Sallie Moore Cemetery

  1. 01Ask at a visitor center for current guidance on access and parking.
  2. 02Carry an offline map and expect short off-trail navigation on a faint path.
  3. 03Do not touch, straighten, or clean stones; leave everything exactly as found.
  4. 04Watch for snakes, ticks, and poison ivy, especially in warm months.
  5. 05Leaf-off seasons make navigation and spotting subtle markers easier.

Near Sallie Moore Cemetery

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